Temple of Athena Nike, Athens (must see)
Measuring a mere 11 feet (3.3 meters) in height, this small, jewel-box-like temple often escapes notice amid the grandeur of the Acropolis. Positioned atop the rock wall to the right of the Propylaea Gate, it comes into view as you enter the Acropolis from the upper right.
Despite being destroyed twice in its history, this temple has been meticulously reconstructed, using original masonry fragments. As a result, you can now appreciate its immaculate symmetrical design, featuring four Ionic columns at each end, just as it was in 420 BC. Back then Athenians gathered here to commemorate their victories over the Persians (the temple's frieze showcases scenes from the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC).
Designed by Kallikrates, the temple served dual roles as an observation point and an ancient shrine dedicated to the goddess of victory, Athena Nike. A remarkable sculpture of her graces the temple's balustrade. Unlike typical statues that usually depict the goddess with wings, this one is wingless, symbolizing the idea that victory will never leave the city.
Legend has it that the temple's location marks the spot where King Aegeus awaited his son, Theseus, from a mission to Crete to vanquish the Minotaur. Theseus promised that, if successful, upon his return, he would raise white sails on his ship (instead of the usual black). But Theseus forgot his pledge. When the king saw the black sails, he assumed that his son was killed and plunged into the sea, which today bears his name - the Aegean Sea.
Despite being destroyed twice in its history, this temple has been meticulously reconstructed, using original masonry fragments. As a result, you can now appreciate its immaculate symmetrical design, featuring four Ionic columns at each end, just as it was in 420 BC. Back then Athenians gathered here to commemorate their victories over the Persians (the temple's frieze showcases scenes from the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC).
Designed by Kallikrates, the temple served dual roles as an observation point and an ancient shrine dedicated to the goddess of victory, Athena Nike. A remarkable sculpture of her graces the temple's balustrade. Unlike typical statues that usually depict the goddess with wings, this one is wingless, symbolizing the idea that victory will never leave the city.
Legend has it that the temple's location marks the spot where King Aegeus awaited his son, Theseus, from a mission to Crete to vanquish the Minotaur. Theseus promised that, if successful, upon his return, he would raise white sails on his ship (instead of the usual black). But Theseus forgot his pledge. When the king saw the black sails, he assumed that his son was killed and plunged into the sea, which today bears his name - the Aegean Sea.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Temple of Athena Nike on Map
Sight Name: Temple of Athena Nike
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
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