The restored Stoa of Attalos in Athens.

Stoa (plural, stoae or stoæ) in Ancient Greek architecture; covered walkways or porticos, commonly for public usage. Early stoae were open at the entrance with columns lining the side of the building, creating a safe, enveloping, protective atmosphere and were usually of Doric order. Later examples consisted of mainly two stories, with a roof supporting the inner colonnades where shops or sometimes offices were located and followed Ionic architecture. These buildings were open to the public; merchants could sell their goods, artists could display their artwork, and religious gatherings could take place. Stoae usually surrounded the marketplaces of large cities.

[edit] Famous Stoae

For a complete list, see List of Stoae.

• Stoa Poikile, "Painted Porch", from which the philosophy Stoicism takes its name
• Stoa of Attalos
• Stoa Basileios (Royal Stoa)
• Stoa of Zeus at Athens
• Stoa Amphiaraion
• Stoa of the Athenians

[edit] External links

• YASOU