Temple of Athena Nike, Athens

Name: Temple of Athena Nike
Address: Ακρόπολη Αθηνών, Athens, Greece
Telephone: +30 21 0321 0219

#8 among attractions in Athens

Unesco, Ancient Greek architecture, Temple, Monuments and statues, More...

Gallery (18)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / Jebulon / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Annatsach / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / G.dallorto / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Jebulon / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jeanhousen / URL

Facts and practical information

Perched on the rocky outcrop of the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Athena Nike epitomizes the splendor of ancient Greek architecture. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike, stands as an enduring tribute to the victory and might of the Athenian empire.

Constructed around 427-424 BCE during the Peace of Nicias, the temple is an exquisite example of the Ionic order. It was designed by the architect Kallikrates, who aimed to celebrate Athens' triumphs in the Greco-Persian Wars. The small and elegant structure measures just 27 feet wide by 18 feet long, yet its significance and beauty are monumental.

The temple's most striking feature is its tetrastyle portico, with four columns at the front and rear. These slender Ionic columns support a frieze that once depicted historical battle scenes, symbolizing Athens' military prowess. Though much of the frieze is now damaged or lost, the temple's refined craftsmanship continues to captivate visitors.

The Temple of Athena Nike is also renowned for its once prominent statue of Athena Nike, which was believed to bring good fortune in war. Unfortunately, the original statue is no longer in the temple, but its legacy endures through historical texts and replicas.

Despite its diminutive size, the temple has faced its share of challenges, including dismantlement during the Ottoman occupation and damage from pollution. It underwent extensive restoration in the 19th and 21st centuries, ensuring that its grandeur remains preserved for future generations to admire.

Today, the Temple of Athena Nike is not just a testament to the architectural genius of ancient Greece but also a celebrated tourist destination. It offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of Athens during its Golden Age and provides visitors with a panoramic view of the city below.

Local name: Ναός Αθηνάς Νίκης Unesco: from 1987Coordinates: 37°58'17"N, 23°43'30"E

Address

Ακρόπολη ΑθηνώνΑθήνα 1 (Ακρόπολης)Athens Greece

Contact

+30 21 0321 0219

Website

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Day trips

Temple of Athena Nike – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Acropolis, Parthenon, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos.

~470 ftE
5th-century B.C. hilltop temple monument
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Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Athens
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Rocky hill with a long history
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Iconic temple of ancient Greece
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~480 ftSE
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Asklepieion of Athens, Athens
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, Archaeological site, Historical place
Propylaea, Athens
1 min walk • The Propylaea stands as a monumental gateway at the western entrance of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This grand structure, designed by the architect Mnesicles, was constructed between 437 and 432 BCE during the golden age of Athens under the leadership of Pericles.
~940 ftSE
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Bema of Phaidros, Athens
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~100 ftN
Archaeological site
Pedestal of Agrippa, Athens
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~250 ftN
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Klepsydra, Athens
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Temple of Athena Nike?

Nearby attractions include Propylaea, Athens (1 min walk), Pedestal of Agrippa, Athens (1 min walk), Pelasgic wall, Athens (1 min walk), Brauroneion, Athens (1 min walk).

How to get to Temple of Athena Nike by public transport?

The nearest stations to Temple of Athena Nike:

Metro

Akropoli • Lines: Μ2 (8 min walk)
Monastiraki • Lines: Μ1, Μ3 (9 min walk)

Trolleybus

Αγιοσ Ιωαννησ • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (10 min walk)
Άγιος Ιωάννης • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (10 min walk)

Bus

Μοναστηρακι • Lines: 025, 026, 027, 035, 227, 500 (10 min walk)
Μητροπολη • Lines: 025 (11 min walk)

Tram

Fix • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (13 min walk)
Βουλιαγμένης • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (13 min walk)

Train

Rouf (30 min walk)
Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Lower Station (31 min walk)