This urban quarter was built in the Hellenistic period. Facing the Sacred Lake is the impressive Terrace of the Lions, the row of famous Archaic lions sculpted in Naxian marble (only five remain, now replaced by copies). The area includes the House of Hermes (2C BC); the Institution of the Poseidoniasts; the quite well-preserved Hellenistic Lake House; and the Museum which contains a remarkable series of Archaic sculptures.

The lively waterfront with its curved marble quays is lined by the arcades of the 18C town hall, a lonely little chapel dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of navigators, café terraces and craft shops all the way to Platía Mandos Mavrogenous, which bears the name of a local heroine who fought for her country's freedom. In 1823 she composed a famous letter extolling the struggle for Greek independence.

The lively waterfront with its curved marble quays is lined by the arcades of the 18C town hall, a lonely little chapel dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of navigators, café terraces and craft shops all the way to Platía Mandos Mavrogenous, which bears the name of a local heroine who fought for her country's freedom. In 1823 she composed a famous letter extolling the struggle for Greek independence.

Sinikía Theátrou (the Theatre District) was built from the 2C BC onwards. It contained luxurious houses built around courtyards and was decorated with superb mosaics in lively colours. There is the House of the Dolphins decorated with a large mosaic by Asklepiades of Arados; the House of the Masks, a huge two-storey house, recently restored, containing magnificent mosaics; and the theatre, from the Hellenistic era, which was a magnificent construction.