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Temple of Athena Nike: A Wingless Victory

A petite Ionic temple on the Acropolis, dedicated to Athena Nike, symbolizing Athens's enduring quest for victory and architectural finesse.

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Perched on the Acropolis's southwestern edge, the Temple of Athena Nike is a small but significant Ionic temple dedicated to Athena and Nike, the goddesses of wisdom and victory. Built around 420 BC, it stands as a testament to Athens's power and artistic prowess during the Classical period.

A brief summary to Temple of Athena Nike

  • Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, 105 58, GR
  • +302103214172

Local tips

  • The Acropolis can get very crowded, especially during peak season. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Purchase your Acropolis tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines.
  • Don't miss the Acropolis Museum, where original fragments from the Temple of Athena Nike are displayed.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Propylaea (the Acropolis's main entrance), the Temple of Athena Nike is a short walk to the right, situated on a prominent bastion. Follow the paved path, and the temple will be visible within a few steps. No additional costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach the Acropolis vicinity via public transport is by taking the Metro to the 'Acropoli' station on Line 2 (Red Line). From the station, it's a short, well-signposted walk to the Acropolis entrance. Upon entering the Acropolis site, follow the main path towards the Propylaea; the Temple of Athena Nike will be on your right. * **Cost:** A single Metro ticket costs €1.20.

  • Taxi

    From Syntagma Square, a taxi to the Acropolis entrance typically costs between €4 and €6, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Acropolis entrance. From there, walk through the main gate (Propylaea), and the Temple of Athena Nike will be immediately to your right.

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Discover more about Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike, a jewel of ancient Greek architecture, graces the Acropolis of Athens. Dedicated to Athena Nike, the wingless Victory, this elegant Ionic temple was constructed around 420 BC. Designed by Kallikrates, the architect also responsible for the Parthenon, it replaced earlier sanctuaries on the same site. Standing proudly on a steep bastion near the Propylaea, the Acropolis's main entrance, the temple offers panoramic views of the city. Its strategic location underscores its role as a guardian of the Acropolis. The temple's design is amphiprostyle, featuring four monolithic columns on its eastern and western facades. The friezes that once adorned the temple depicted scenes of gods, goddesses, and battles, reflecting Athens's military and religious fervor. The statue of Athena Nike within was intentionally wingless, symbolizing that victory would never leave Athens. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone numerous transformations. It was converted into a Christian church in the 5th century AD and later dismantled by the Ottoman Turks, who used its stones to build fortifications. Following Greece's independence, the temple was reconstructed in 1834, with further restoration efforts in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, visitors can admire the temple's graceful form and learn about its history in the Acropolis Museum, where fragments of its original frieze are displayed.

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