Astoa (/ˈstoʊə/; plural,stoas,[1]stoai,[1] orstoae/ˈstoʊ.iː/[2]), inancient Greek architecture, is a covered walkway orportico, commonly for public use.[3] Early stoas were open at the entrance with columns, usually of theDoric order, lining the side of a building; they created a safe, enveloping, protective atmosphere.
This, an "open-fronted shelter with alean-to roof", is the meaning in modern usage, but in fact the ancient Greeks "made no clear distinction in their speech" between these and large enclosed rooms with similar functions.[4]
Later examples were built as two storeys, and incorporated innercolonnades usually in theIonic style, where shops or sometimes offices were located. 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 themarketplaces oragora of large cities and were used as a framing device.[5]
Other examples were designed to create safe, protective atmospheres which combined useful inside and outside space. The name of theStoic school of philosophy derives from "stoa".[6]
