Nearly everyone had a reason to worship Athena, and numerous shrines and temples were built in her honor. Because she protected several cities, those cities built elaborate temples and dedicated them solely to Athena. Two of the best-known of Athena's temples are the Parthenon and the Erechtheum, both of which were located atop the acropolis in Athens.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon is one of the most famous temples of ancient Greece. Part of the reason for its fame is that it remains standing today. The Parthenon is a popular destination for tourists and students of architecture.

Built in the fifth century B.C. to house a thirty-five-foot-high ivory-and-gold statue of Athena, the immense temple both honored Athena and glorified the city of Athens. Looking at the expensive and elaborate Parthenon, no one could doubt the grandeur and wealth of Athens. Although it was a magnificent showplace, the Parthenon did not serve the practical purposes that other temples did. The massive statue of Athena was not associated with any known cult. In fact, the traditional rituals and sacrifices were performed for an older cult statue of Athena, which was housed in the Erechtheum.

The Erechtheum

The Erechtheum, located near the Parthenon and not nearly as grand, served a more practical purpose. It was home to the olivewood statue of Athena that was central to the Panathenaea festivals. The ancient Athenians believed that this statue had fallen from the heavens themselves.

At midsummer, the traditional time of Athena's birth, those who wished to pay tribute to the goddess gathered. Athletic and musical competitions took place, but the main event was the dressing of the wooden statue. Every year, a select group of women made a new woolen gown for the statue. During the festival, a procession carried this gown through the city and draped it over the statue in the Erechtheum. Another festival involving this statue took place every four years and was called the Great Panathenaea. During this celebration, the statue was carried to the sea, where it was washed.