The Acropolis stands sentinel over Athens. The city was once a showcase of colossal buildings, lavishly coloured and gilded, and of gargantuan statues, some of bronze, others of marble plated with gold and encrusted with precious stones. Now in ruins, the cool grandeur of the bare marble is still breathtaking. The Agora (market) was the focal point of administrative, commercial, political and social activity back in the old days. All roads led to this bustling and crowded place, where Socrates could be heard expounding his philosophy and, later, where St Paul disputed daily in an attempt to win converts to Christianity.