The Temple of Athena, an ancient gem in Türkiye’s historic city of Side, is being revived as its restoration work reaches the final stages. Long overshadowed by the neighboring Temple of Apollo—one of the country’s most iconic landmarks—the Athena Temple is undergoing a major transformation, attracting attention from both historians and tourists.
The excavation and restoration efforts, which began in earnest in 2023, are part of a broader project to revitalize Side’s sacred port area. Feriştah Alanyalı, the head of excavations at the site, explained that recent research has uncovered more than just the temples of Athena and Apollo. “This area is not solely dedicated to these two gods but is part of a larger sacred complex with other cultic sites located near the port,” she said. Alanyalı also highlighted that the restoration is focused on using original temple elements, despite significant damage caused by 19th-century quarry workers who burned many of the temple’s stones for lime production.
While the Apollo Temple has long been a key feature in Türkiye’s tourism promotions, drawing countless visitors to Side, the Temple of Athena is now poised to share the spotlight. Once the restoration is complete, the site will be illuminated and opened to the public, offering a new cultural landmark for visitors to explore.
With its historical significance and the meticulous care given to its restoration, the Temple of Athena is set to become another must-see destination for travelers seeking to experience the rich ancient history of Türkiye.
