For submitting a new event or a guide item, please
email us.
Panagia Gorgoepikoos
A 12th century Byzantine church, this house of worship was built on the ruins of an ancient temple called Isis-Eileithyia. It is a rather humble building compared with some of the grand churches of the city, but is of great historical interest. Much of the building material was taken from the old temple and other ancient buildings in the surrounding area. The marble murals on the interior walls of the church were once part of these older buildings, and the most famous one is from the 4th century BC, showing symbols of the twelve months.
Mitropoleos Square
105 56
Lagonissi
Kapnikarea Church
This church is actually two adjoining chapels, the first built in the 11th century in a cruciform shape and the second built in the 12th century with a more heavy construction and an impressive dome. The interior decoration of the church encompasses many pointy eaves and sinuously carved arches. The later chapel is built in a typical Byzantine style with raised brickwork, and the dome is supported by four grand Roman columns. This part of the church has recently been restored by the University of Athens. There is a striking modern mosaic near the west entrance of the Virgin and Child, and inside are older works of art. Among these are some sentimental and Western-style paintings, brought to the church before the 1930s. During the 30s, the city made a decision that only traditional Byzantine icons and frescoes should adorn Greek churches.
Opening times: Mon, Wed, Sat 8 am - 2 pm, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8 am - 12.30 pm and 5 pm - 7.30 pm, Sun 8 am - 11.30 am
Corner of Kapnikareas and Ermou
105 62
Lagonissi
Tel: +30 210 3224462
Ayioi Anargyroi
This church is also known as “Metochion Panagiou,” and according to legend was built in the 8th century at the request of empress Irene. Irene was a native of Athens who became the sole rular of Byzantium after her husband died. The exterior of the church is charming and ornate, and there is a lovely hidden garden courtyard that includes fragments of ancient ruins. This courtyard was often used as a hiding place when the city faced troubled times.
Corner of Erechtheos and Prytaniou
105 58
Lagonissi
Ayios Nikodimos
This church was built in the 11th century and has had an interesting history, but is no longer in its original state. It was originally a stone convent chapel that was torn down in 1780 by the notorious governor of Athems Hadij Ali Haseki. He used the materials from the church to build a defensive wall around the city. In an interesting twist of fate, the remains of the chapel were sold to the Russian government. The Russians remodelled the building between 1852 – 1856, enlarging it and constructing it in the shape of a cross. The beautiful terra cotta frieze was also added during this period. Inside the church, a number of elaborate Russian embroidery work is displayed, as well as other works of art.
Dear tobook.com visitor, you also can contribute to our city guides with
events and articles. Do you want to inform our readers with an upcoming
event or do you want to publish your article, please
email us at guide. We would welcome personal stories about your experiences
in Europe as a great addition to our city guides.
Churches
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
