Temple of Athena Nike

The basics

The Temple of Athena Nike celebrates Athena, Athens’ patron goddess, in her guise as goddess of victory. But it’s been through the wars over the millennia, including being converted into a church and then demolished—what you see now is a product of three restorations. Most of the few carvings that have survived are now in the Acropolis Museum.

When planning an Athens tour, it’s important to know that only licensed guides can show you around the Acropolis; a guide can add a great deal to your understanding of this complex, multi-layered site. Whether you book a private guide, a group tour, or explore with specialists such as archaeologists, a stop at the Temple of Athena Nike is pretty much guaranteed.

Things to know before you go

• Wear practical shoes when visiting the Acropolis as surfaces can be uneven and slippery. In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
• Acropolis tickets can sell out fast during the high season, so it’s best to book in advance.
• Most travelers will only need a few minutes to look at the temple before moving on.
• The Acropolis has elevator access and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, however, the accessible route does not pass the Temple of Athena Nike.

How to get there

The Temple of Athena Nike is in the southwest corner of the Acropolis, right by the Propylaea (the citadel’s main gate). The best metro for the Acropolis is Acropoli (Line 2), or you can walk, rideshare, take a taxi, or join a tour with transport.

When to get there

The Acropolis is typically open 8am–5pm during the winter season (November through March), and 8am–8pm during the summer season (April to August). Check ahead if visiting in September and October as hours are variable. During heatwaves, authorities sometimes close the site from around 12–5pm. If you’re here in summer, plan to visit as early as possible during the day.

Three temples not to miss when in Athens

You don’t need to know your Doric from your Ionic to enjoy Athens’ wealth of spectacular temples. The iconic Parthenon, with its vast frontage, is the Acropolis’ signature site; the Temple of Olympian Zeus, below the Acropolis, was once Greece’s largest temple. Perched atop Cape Sounion, an hour or so outside the city, the Temple of Poseidon is one of the world’s most spectacular sunset locations.