Stoa

This article is about an architectural feature. For the album by Nik Bärtsch, see Stoa (album). For the EU technology assessment bureau, see Science and Technology Options Assessment. For the high school forensics league, see Stoa USA.

The restored Stoa of Attalos in Athens

A stoa (/ˈstoʊə/; plural, stoas, stoai, or stoae /ˈstoʊ.iː/), in ancient Greek architecture, is a covered walkway or portico, commonly for public use. Early stoas were open at the entrance with columns, usually of the Doric order, lining the side of the building; they created a safe, enveloping, protective atmosphere.

Later examples were built as two stories, with a roof supporting the inner colonnades where shops or sometimes offices were located. They 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. Stoas usually surrounded the marketplaces or agora of large cities and were used as a framing device.

The name of the Stoic school of philosophy derives from "stoa".

Famous stoae

Main article: List of stoae

The Stoa of Attalos, with busts of historical philosophers. (Picture by Massimo Pigliucci).

• 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

See also

• Arcade (architecture)

External links

• YASOU
•  "Stoa". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). 1911.