After undergoing repair, the Athena Temple in Antalya’s historic Side is now accessible to tourists. The temple, which is believed to be 2,000 years old, is located in the Manavgat area near the entrance to the historic harbour. Adjacent to the Temple of Apollo, the temple is dedicated to Athena, the city’s principal deity. Through its historic ruins, it provides tourists with a window into the splendour of the past.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism finished the restoration work last year, restoring some of the temple’s columns by reinstalling their original components. With its architectural design and historically significant columns, the temple is one of the city’s most sought-after landmarks, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
The initiative was discussed with the Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent by Professor Feriştah Alanyalı, who is the leader of the Side Archaeological Excavation. In 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism launched the “Future Heritage Project,” which includes the Side Ancient City as one of its supported sites.
According to Alanyalı, the Athena Temple’s repair was finished last November. She clarified that although there was a lull, restoration efforts had begun in previous years. The crew has been working on finishing architectural studies and partial reconstruction (anastylosis) surrounding the temple from 2022. In addition to providing important information for repair, excavations on private properties north of the temple also provided insight into the city’s building history. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, formally opened the renovated temple in Side to the public.
The Athena Temple
It is important that the temple is situated directly on the harbour’s shore. Although similar constructions can be seen elsewhere, Alanyalı stressed that the Temple of Apollo and the Athena Temple’s placement side by side is a unique and uncommon configuration. Apollo and Athena, the city’s two principal deities, are situated directly beside the harbour. These temples were built in honor of the city’s patron deities, Athena, who was revered as the principal goddess, and Apollo, who was strongly linked to the city’s name.
Alanyalı asserts that these two temples hold significant value for the residents of Side and their function as a cultural hub that extends beyond the city’s boundaries. Throughout the ancient city’s history, Athena played a crucial role as the goddess who guaranteed the prosperity of trade at the harbour.
Prior to the restoration, tourists frequently ignored the Athena Temple in favour of the Temple of Apollo. Alanyalı noted that the Temple of Apollo was originally believed to be the only structure in the area. In earlier years, the Apollo Temple’s rear corner had been rebuilt, while the Athena Temple’s front had undergone partial anastylosis. Despite the fact that not every column could be completely restored, this method helped visitors comprehend the temple’s depth and size.
Now that the renovation is finished, the Athena Temple is a location that highlights the religious and historical significance of the city. Additionally, Alanyalı disclosed that the Temple of Apollo is undergoing renovation, with plans to start implementation later this year or early next year.
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Image: pexels.com – photo by Mihman Duganli
