Covering an area of around 2.5ha, the Agora - today a field of ruins - was once the heart of ancient Athens. It formed an esplanade, across which the Panathenaic Way ran diagonally, and was surrounded by administrative buildings, temples and colonnaded galleries (stoas) where citizens came to discuss public matters. This was also were markets were held, as well as some religious feasts, with their processions and theatre or athletics competitions.