Temple of Athena Nike — Attraction in Athens

The small temple on top of the bastion which since the Mycenaean period (late Eth cent Be guarded the southwest end of the hillot the Acropois. Was Geol- cated to the goddess Athena Nike, protector of the city who offered the Athenians victory in their battles. It is dated to the Classical period (427-424 B.C.) and belongs to the building programme of Perikles. A marble balustrade, which was decorated with representations in rellef of winged Nikai (Victories) and figures of seated Achena, was constructed later 45-405 b.c.), In order to protect the three sides al the and to detine the sanctuary of the goddess. The Classical temple was out site of an earlier small temple made by poros stone, dated after 468 B.C., which housed the xoanon, the wooden cult statue or the goddess. a considerable dart of this temple and remains of the early shrine ine oth cent. B.C.) are preserved in a speciall arranged basement space in the Classical bastion. The Classical temple, made of Pentelic marble, was built in the lonic order with four columns at the front and rear end, and measured 3.12 X 2.46 meters. It is at- tributed to the architect Kallikrates. The temples rich sculptural decoration praises the victorious battles of the Athenians. From the preserve architectural sculp hesi Is assumed that the Gigantomachy - battle between gods and giants- was presented on the east pediment, and the Amazonomachy battle between Athen- ans and Amazons - on the west. The lonic frieze, which runs along the upper part of the temple depicts battles between Greeks and Persians (south side), battle of Greek warriors (hoplites) against other warriors (north and west side, while on east side the assembly (agora of the Olymplan gods. The corners of the pediments were decorated with gold-plated bronze Niki (acroteria). The monument was torn down during the Ottoman occupation in 1686, on the eve of the incursion into Attica of the Venetian troops under the command of general Francesco Morosini, and its architectural members were incorporated in the Das- tion constructed in front of the Propylaia. After the demolition of the bastion in 1835, the architectural members of the temple...

The Temple of Athena Nike, standing on the southwest bastion of the Acropolis, is the smallest but one of the most refined monuments of the Periclean building program. Completed around 420 BC and dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory, it welcomed visitors ascending to the sacred plateau, symbolizing the hope for Athenian triumph during the Peloponnesian War.

This elegant Ionic temple was designed by the architect Kallikrates and is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and graceful simplicity. Despite its modest size, the monument embodied the sophistication of classical architecture. Its friezes depicted historical and mythological battles, celebrating both divine power and human courage, while reinforcing Athens’ identity as a leading city-state.

The temple’s most celebrated feature was the balustrade that once surrounded it, adorned with reliefs of winged figures known as Nikai. Among them, the famous “Nike Adjusting Her Sandal” remains one of the most exquisite examples of classical relief sculpture, combining naturalism with delicate elegance.

Today, the Temple of Athena Nike stands as a universal symbol of victory, freedom, and cultural achievement. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Acropolis, it continues to inspire admiration, embodying both the resilience of Athens and the timeless beauty of...

Beautiful temple with fabulous backdrop

This temple is one of the few on the Acropolis without scaffolding. It's beautiful and has a super interesting backstory.

Would recommend you visit the museum before you visit the Acropolis. Seeing the real artefacts and learning about the history and amazing restoration process definitely adds to the enjoyment of the visit.

Tips: Get the multi-ticket pass for 30 Euros from somewhere else and you won't have to queue to get in / get a ticket. We got ours from the Ancient Agora - no queue. When we walked past the North Entrance the queue was at 90 minutes long!! Queues are shorter in the early morning and late evening, but also much shorter at the South Entrance (by the Museum). Whichever entrance you go in, exit at the other one (i.e. if you enter from the North Entrance, leave by the South) so you see everything. There's no shade up there so if you're sensitive to sun then take precautions and avoid 12pm-4pm. I'm a red head and went up at 6pm but still needed lots of cream and a big sun hat....