At this point you are probably very hot and would welcome shade. If you had visited 2,000 years ago, you would not have that problem. These Ionic columns are a few of the 67 columns previously supporting the Basilica Stoa (Royal Colonnade). The sheltered walkway was 525 feet long, had three aisles, two levels and was paved with marble. This elaborate passage in uptown connected major buildings in the north (such as the Prytaneion, Odeon Theatre and Upper Gymnasium) with the State Agora (marketplace) in the south. The Basilica Stoa was constructed in 11 AD.
