Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Church of Kapnikarea
CHURCH
This small 11th-century Byzantine church stands smack in the middle of the Ermou shop-
ping strip. It was saved from the bulldozers and restored by Athens University. The dome
of this cruciform-style church is supported by four large Roman columns.
(Ermou, Monastiraki;
8am-2pm Tue, Thu & Fri;
Monastiraki)
6
Hadrian's Library
RUINS
GOOGLE MAP
Once the most luxurious public building in the city, Hadrian's library was erected around
AD 132. It had an internal courtyard and pool bordered by 100 columns. The building was
destroyed in AD 267 during the Herulian invasion. The remains of Megali Panagia, be-
lieved to be the oldest Christian church in Athens, can be seen in the garden, including
parts of the mosaic floor. During the Ottoman period it was a bazaar.
(Areos, Monastiraki; admis-
sion €2;
Monastiraki)
7
Museum of Traditional Greek Ceramics
MUSEUM
The Mosque of Tzistarakis (built in 1759) is one of few surviving examples of a
tzami
(mosque) in Athens. It houses this annexe of the Museum of Greek Folk Art and features
pottery and hand-painted ceramics from the early 20th century.
(
210 324 2066; Areos 1,
Monastiraki; adult/child €2/free;
Monastiraki)
8
Turkish Baths
ANCIENT SITE
GOOGLE MAP
The only surviving public bathhouse in Athens is one of the few remnants of the Ottoman
period. The refurbished 17th-century bathhouse of Abit Efendi gives some insight into the
rituals of the era, when bathhouses were an important meeting point.
(
210 324 4340; Kyr-
istou 8, Monastiraki; admission €2;
9am-2.30pm Tue-Sun;
Monastiraki)
