Built during the period of the Pergamon Kingdom (280–133 BCE), the Athena Sacred Area is located in the upper city of Pergamon, above the ancient theater, in a dominant position overlooking the city.
Dedicated to the city’s protective goddess, Athena, this sacred area was arranged during the reign of Attalos I (241–197 BCE). Eumenes II (197–159 BCE) expanded the area and added new structures during his reign. The sacred area around the temple has a square plan and is surrounded by two-story colonnaded galleries (stoas). Entrance to the area was through a monumental gate. The library building, considered one of Pergamon’s most important structures, was also built adjacent to the colonnaded gallery.
Many religious ceremonies were held in the sacred area’s large courtyard and temple, where offerings were made to the goddess. Among these, the Athena Festival was one of the most significant rituals conducted in this area. The Athena Sacred Area remained Pergamon’s most revered religious center until the Roman period symbolizing the city’s identity.
During excavations carried out by the German architect Richard Bohn in the late 19th century, scattered architectural remains were discovered at the lower part of the slope. These studies led to the unearthing of the Athena Sacred Area and its temple. Only the foundational traces of the sacred area and the temple can be seen today.