Once overshadowed by the more famous Temple of Apollo, the ancient Temple of Greek goddess Athena in Side (Greek:Σίδη), Turkey, is now gaining fresh attention following a major restoration project.
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 also seen as the protector of the city and a symbol of safety for sea trade.
A sacred site by the sea
The temple stands near the entrance of Side’s ancient harbor, beside the Temple of Apollo. Together, these two temples once formed a central part of the city’s spiritual and public life. For years, however, visitors often believed the area only featured the Apollo Temple and overlooked Athena’s shrine.
That changed after Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism led a major restoration effort, completed in November 2024. Experts carefully reassembled several of the temple’s original columns and structures, bringing back parts of its original look.
Bringing the temple back to life
Professor Feriştah Alanyalı, who heads the archaeological work in Side, said the project gained new momentum in 2022. In 2023, the ministry launched a focused effort under the “Heritage for the Future” initiative, which allowed for deeper research and partial rebuilding of the temple’s original form.
“The positioning of Apollo and Athena’s temples side by side is remarkable,” Alanyalı said. “These were dedicated to Side’s most revered deities and served as a major cultural and religious center known beyond the city’s borders. Athena, as a guarantor of maritime trade, maintained her presence at the harbor throughout antiquity.”
A glimpse into ancient craftsmanship
The temple’s classical Greek design, with its tall columns and detailed stonework, reflects the architectural style of its time. Historians believe it was built during the Hellenistic period when Side was a thriving port city.
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Over the centuries, the temple saw several changes and periods of neglect, especially as the city’s influence declined. For a long time, the Temple of Apollo drew most of the attention of tourists, while Athena’s site faded into the background.
A cultural landmark reborn
Now, the newly restored temple is becoming one of the most visited landmarks in the area. Its fresh appearance and rich history are drawing both local and international travelers eager to explore Side’s past.
The reopening ceremony was led by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who called the site an important part of the region’s heritage. He said the restoration gives visitors a clearer view of ancient life and the beliefs that shaped the city.
With the Athena Temple restored experts are now turning their focus to the nearby Apollo Temple, where another restoration project is expected to begin later this year or in 2026.