The history of the area where the ancient forum is located in downtown Thessaloniki, and the most important events that have taken place in the metropolis, are reconstructed through the exhibits on display in the new Roman Forum Museum.
The underground museum is a continuation of a hidden stoa (gallery) and features findings from the Hellenistic era, when vessel and statuette workshops thrived in the area, as well as from the “golden age” of the Roman Forum up to the 4th century when it ceased being a regional administrative centre and the pottery workshops reappeared.
The museum also features exhibits from the Ottoman period until the 1917 fire that destroyed most of the city.
The archaeological site of the Roman Forum and the museum are open Tuesdays through Sundays with entrance free of charge. Both are easily accessed by the disabled, while a special section of the museum is dedicated to the visually impaired.
Author: Apostolos Papapostolou | Source: Greece - Greek Reporter [July 04, 2010]