Churches and Monasteries, Athens

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The Mitrópoli (Cathedral) is an important Greek cathedral and the largest church in Athens, and as such, the seat of the Bishop of Athens.

The building started in 1842 and took 20 years to complete. It was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin (Evangelismós Theotókou) by the king and queen.

Inside, there are 2 tombs of the saints killed by the Ottoman Turks, St Filothei, who ransomed Greek women enslaved in Turkish harems, and Patriarch Gregory V, who was hanged and thrown into the Bosphorus.

If you are coming from Syntagma you will be walking down Metropolitan street, past the Cathedral and the square of shiny marble. There is a small Byzantine church in the shadow of the catheral that you should take a look at called Agios Eleftherios. There are some cafes in the square and this is where Pondrosou street begins.

This church is not in the best part of town and, if you go early in the morning, it is best to watch where you step in order to avoid the remains of last night's partying by the homeless men who will likely be sleeping in Eleftherias Square beside the church. When I went my site seeing was accompanied by a man relieving himself in the middle of the square. In any case, the church is open in the late morning for visitors (mass is said earlier in the morning) and the outside has some nice icons that can be photographed.

The Armenian Orthodox Church is not exactly well advertised, and that is in part because it is not a touristic attraction. Visitors can come to the offices of the church by appointment, but not for simple siteseeing and picture taking. Nevertheless, the church is tucked away on a quiet street and gives you the opportunity to take a few pictures of the Caucasian-style architecture of the building with its sharply pointed roof, a contrast to the domes of the Greek Orthodox churches.

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Agias Marinas dominates the entrance to the Acropolis Rock when you enter through Thiseio on Apostolou Pavlou. It is hard to miss as it stands above the street on a rock with a large beautiful dome. The church itself is not terribly old, but it has beautiful paintings and also views down on the city. Of particular interest is the dark blue starry night scene painted on the vault of the entrance to the church.

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Kapnikarea is remarkable for two reasons: (1) it is an eleventh century church; and (2) it is in the centre of Ermou street, the main shopping street in downtown Athens. This little church is a nice historical break to an afternoon of shopping, as its dome is supported by four Roman columns. It also has some pretty icons painted above the doors.

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The Mitropoli or Cathedral is obviously the largest church in Athens and lends its name to the street parallel to Ermou, the shopping district. The Mitropoli is not a historic landmark in and of itself - that is left to the more modest but older Agios Eleftherios beside it - but it is an impressive structure that presents many lovely icons and a spectacular exterior.
Please be aware that Orthodox Christian clergy are more conservative in terms of appropriate attire than many Western priests. Tourists who enter wearing tank tops or shorts (especially women) may be asked to leave. You needn't pay to enter any church, but it is appreciated if you light a candle (candles usually cost 20 cents).

This church is dwarfed by the much larger Mitropoli (Cathedral) next to which it stands. Nevertheless, this church, also known as the Little Mitropoli, is much older than its larger counterpart and is much more interesting. It was built in the 12th century and is constructed of Pentelic marble with freizes of animals done as bas relief on the outer walls.