The Temple of Athena, Main Goddess of Ancient Side, Attracts Great Interest

The Temple of Athena, the main goddess of the Ancient City of Side, which has witnessed thousands of years of history in the Manavgat district of Antalya, is attracting great interest after its restoration. Side, one of the most important port cities of the Pamphylia region, was founded in the 7th century BC and draws attention with its temple dedicated to its main goddess Athena.

Side is an ancient city that is thought to have been founded before the 7th century BC and has been home to many civilizations such as the Lydians, Persians, Macedonian Kingdom, and Roman Empire. The city, which became the center of trade especially during the Roman period, experienced its brightest period in the 5th and 6th centuries.

The temple, dedicated to the city’s main goddess Athena and located next to the Temple of Apollo, has regained its former glory with restoration works completed in November 2023. Side Ancient City Excavation Director Prof. Dr. Feriştah Alanyalı stated that the restoration works not only restored the temple but also provided important data that will shed light on the city’s building history.

Prof. Dr. Alanyalı emphasized that the fact that the Apollo and Athena temples are located side by side is a special example and said, “Athena, as the guarantor goddess of trade in the port, has been an important cult center located right next to the port throughout Antiquity.”

The Temple of Athena, which visitors could not perceive much before the restoration, is now revealed in all its glory. Prof. Dr. Alanyalı said, “Since it was not possible to raise all the columns, it was intended to reflect the depth and size of the area to the visitors by raising the front of one temple and the back of the other.”

With the completion of the restoration at the Temple of Athena, the city’s settlement history and its place in the religious history of Antiquity were emphasized, making it accessible to visitors. With this important restoration, the Ancient City of Side has become a more attractive destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Cover Photo: Zehra Tekeci Eser/Anadolu Agency