The Temple of Athena in Side (Antalya), one of the most iconic images of tourism in Turkey along with that of the Temple of Apollo right next to it, is coming to the end of a restoration process that began a year ago and has brought back to life its ancient columns, 20 of which are once again standing in this place full of history, part of an important port city that reached its peak during the Roman Empire until – after a centuries-long decline – it was abandoned in the 10th century.
Led by the Antalya Surveying and Monuments Directorate, the restoration project has succeeded in restoring numerous columns of the temple of Athena. Speaking to Turkish media, Veysel Akın, director of the Directorate, explained that the restoration began in 2023, when only one column of the temple was still standing and even that lacked a capital. ‘Now, 20 columns have been restored, 4 of them specifically in the northeast section. The capitals and architectural elements have been restored, and the columns have been reinforced with steel rings to give them structural stability,’ he said.
‘We have raised the original columns that were identified as part of the temple; authentic marble steps were discovered on the eastern façade (of the temple) during excavation, and the missing parts were completed using marble powder and mortar. We want to complete the restoration soon and illuminate the temple as part of the ‘Heritage for the Future’ project, making it a key destination for night visits to ruins and monuments,’ Akın added.
Meanwhile Professor Feriştah Alanyalı, head of archaeological excavations in Side, stressed that the area surrounding the temples of Athena and Apollo – called the ‘Sacred Port Area’ – is home to much more than the ruins of the two famous temples. ‘The latest research shows that this area includes other sacred spaces. The first excavations began here in 1947,’ recounted Alanyalı, who also announced that while the restoration of the temple of Athena is being completed, preparations have already begun to restore the temple of Apollo.
‘As you know, the image of the Temple of Apollo is one of the most used images in Turkey’s tourism promotion; it is one of the first places tourists want to see when they come to Side. These restoration projects are a source of pride not only for us, but also for visitors,’ said Alanyalı.
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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