Forgotten temple of Athena shines again on Turkey’s coast
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
The ancient Temple of Athena in Side, Turkey, has reopened to the public after a meticulous restoration, offering visitors a fresh window into the grandeur of the region’s Hellenistic past.
Located in the southern province of Antalya, the temple dates back about 2,000 years and was built to honor Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. She was not only revered for her intellect and martial prowess but also seen as the protector of the city and a symbol of safety for sea trade—a critical role in a coastal hub like ancient Side. This is according to Greek Reporter.
A place of worship and protection
Positioned at the entrance to the city’s ancient harbor, the Temple of Athena once stood as a powerful symbol of divine guardianship. Its location wasn’t just ceremonial—it was strategic. For ancient sailors and merchants, the temple marked a safe return and the blessings of the gods, particularly Athena, whose favor was believed to shield the city from harm.
Long-lost beauty restored
The restoration project was carried out by the Antalya Directorate of Surveying and Monuments under Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When the work began in 2023, only one column remained standing, and it lacked its capital. Over the course of the restoration, 20 columns were re-erected—four of them on the northeastern side with their capitals and architectural elements returned to place. To reinforce them, steel hoops were added for stability.
One of the key highlights of the restoration was the discovery and reconstruction of original marble steps on the temple’s eastern side. Missing sections were recreated using a careful mix of marble dust and mortar, designed to match the ancient craftsmanship as closely as possible.
Shining in a new light
The Temple of Athena is now beautifully lit up at night as part of the ongoing «Heritage for the Future» project, making it a stunning stop for evening visitors exploring Side’s ancient ruins. It had long lived in the shadow of the neighboring Temple of Apollo, but with its structure now largely restored, Athena’s temple is once again a centerpiece of the archaeological site.
Professor Feriştah Alanyalı, head of the Side Archaeological Excavation, remarked that the restoration not only breathes life back into the ancient temple but also highlights the cultural, religious, and political importance of Athena’s worship in Side.
More to come
Encouraged by the successful revival of the Temple of Athena, Turkish authorities plan to begin the restoration of the adjacent Temple of Apollo next. Together, the two temples once formed a spiritual gateway to the harbor and a striking landmark for travelers arriving by sea.
The renewed Temple of Athena is now more than a relic—it’s a revived symbol of history, protection, and architectural brilliance. With its columns once again standing proudly over the Mediterranean coast, the temple invites the world to rediscover Side’s storied past.
