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Temple of Athena Nike

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Temple of Athena Nike stands prominently on a bastion at the southwest corner of the Athenian Acropolis and is the smallest temple on the sacred site. Constructed around 420 BC during the Peloponnesian War, it was designed by the architect Kallikrates in the elegant Ionic order. The temple is dedicated to Athena Nike, the bringer of victory, and was built entirely from fine Pentelic marble. Architecturally, it is an amphiprostyle temple, featuring four columns on both the front and rear facades. The continuous frieze surrounding the building depicts historical battles between Greeks and Persians as well as assemblies of the Olympian gods. A unique aspect was the wooden cult statue of Athena Nike inside, which was wingless, unlike typical representations of the goddess Nike, symbolizing that victory would never leave the city of Athens. The temple has been dismantled and reconstructed several times throughout history, with the most recent major restoration completed between 2000 and 2010.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Athena Nike Temple · Beulé Gate · Monument of Agrippa
Nearby: South Athens (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	10	12	15	20	25	28	27	24	19	15	11
Rain mm	66	58	53	30	21	20	12	8	29	49	69	86

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis of Athens is a small, elegant Ionic temple that can be viewed from the outside. Access to the Acropolis requires a ticket, and the temple is part of the walking route.

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Typical hours

The Acropolis is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (summer) or until 17:00 (winter). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Holidays may differ.

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Photography

Photography is allowed on the Acropolis, but tripods require a permit. Be mindful not to obstruct other visitors.

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Time needed

The full Acropolis tour usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. For the Temple of Athena Nike alone, 15 minutes suffice, but enjoy the panoramic view over Athens.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the Ancient Agora and Philopappos Hill. The Acropolis Museum right next door is also highly recommended.

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Getting there

The Acropolis entrance is at the Theatre of Dionysus, reachable by metro (Acropolis station) or on foot from Syntagma Square. Follow the signs.

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Insider tip

Visit the Acropolis either early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Buy your ticket online in advance to skip queues.

Geography

Coordinates

37.97150, 23.72470

Facts

The temple was completed around 420 BC during a lull in the Peloponnesian War.
Kallikrates, one of the architects of the Parthenon, was responsible for its design.
In 1686, the Ottomans dismantled the temple to strengthen their defensive bastion.
Original frieze panels from the temple are now housed in the Acropolis Museum.
The temple was first reconstructed in 1835 using stones found in the Ottoman wall.
The structure's dimensions are quite small, measuring 8.27 by 5.44 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Odeon of Herodes Atticus<1 km · SExplore →

National Archaeological Museum2 km · NExplore →

Nea Smyrni3 km · SExplore →

Zografou3 km · EExplore →

Moschato4 km · SWExplore →

South Athens4 km · SWExplore →

Agios Ioannis Renti5 km · WExplore →

Peristeri5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Sights in the town Temple of Athena Nike (10)

Athena Nike Temple

An ancient Greek temple from the 5th century BCE on the Acropolis, dedicated to Athena as victory goddess.

Beulé Gate

A Roman gate at the foot of the Acropolis, named after archaeologist Beulé.

Monument of Agrippa

A monument base on the Acropolis that once supported a statue.

Propylaea

The monumental gateway of the Acropolis of Athens.

Cave of Zeus Astrapaios

A cave in the rock of the Acropolis, dedicated to Zeus as god of lightning.

Aphrodite Temple

An ancient temple on the Acropolis dedicated to Aphrodite.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

An ancient theater at the foot of the Acropolis, built in the 2nd century CE.

Nemesis Temple

An ancient temple on the Acropolis dedicated to Nemesis.

Athena Promachos statue place

Site of the colossal statue of Athena Promachos by Phidias.

Arriforion

A building on the Acropolis used for storing sacred objects.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where on the Acropolis is the temple located?

It is located on a small platform to the right of the Propylaea, the main entrance.

Can you enter the temple?

No, visitors can only view the temple from the outside to protect its ancient structure.

What architectural style was used?

It is a classical Ionic temple, recognizable by the characteristic volutes on the columns.

What does 'Nike' mean?

Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. Here she was worshipped as 'wingless victory'.

How old is the temple?

The current temple was built approximately between 427 and 424 BC during the Classical period.

Temple of Athena Nike: where is it located?

Temple of Athena Nike is located in Greece.

Temple of Athena Nike: what is there to see?

Highlights include Athena Nike Temple, Beulé Gate, Monument of Agrippa.

Temple of Athena Nike: when is the best time to visit?