Roman Forum (Thessaloniki) Archaeological Site

Address: In the historic centre of Thessaloniki, near Aristotelous Square and the Rotunda

Admission: Free (outdoor archaeological remains)

The Roman Forum of Thessaloniki is a Roman-era public square and market area located within the modern city centre of Thessaloniki. The site originated in the Roman imperial period and contains the remains of paved open spaces, colonnades and associated commercial rooms.

Excavated areas show the layout of a colonnaded main square with flanking shops and walkways that served administrative and commercial functions in the Roman city. Over time the forum was adapted and partly buried beneath later urban development; excavations have exposed mosaics, foundations and sections of the paved surface.

The forum sits in central Thessaloniki close to major modern landmarks and thoroughfares, so it is accessible on foot from the contemporary city centre and integrates with the urban archaeological trail.

• Context: The forum dates to the Roman imperial period and lies within Thessaloniki’s modern urban centre, so remains are visible among contemporary streets and buildings.

The Roman Forum is a short walk from Aristotle (Aristotelous) Square in central Thessaloniki. From the waterfront promenade, head inland toward the Rotunda and the Byzantine walls; local buses and taxis serve the historic centre.

• Go early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and to enjoy the nearby market life in Thessaloniki.
• The site is compact - combine a visit with the Roman Rotunda and the Archaeological Museum (nearby) for context.
• Look for the horse-shoe shaped agora paving and the remnants of shops that line the forum for traces of how urban life really worked in Roman Thessaloniki.