Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHURCHES
1. MITROPOLI
Athens' massive cathedral of 1862 was the first major church built after Greece's in-
dependence. It became the seat of the archbishop and hence of modern Greek or-
thodoxy. Though its colourful frescoes and pricey ecclesiastical objects are certainly
impressive, its architecture is less so.
Mitropoli
's importance is almost entirely spir-
itual, as the central point for the Greek Orthodox Church.
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2. PANAGIA GORGOEPIKOOS
Dwarfed by the bulk of Mitropoli, tiny Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Mikri Mitropoli, “little
Mitropoli”) actually far outshadows its vast neighbour in historic and artistic import-
ance. It was built in the 12th century, on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to
goddess Eileithyia. Its walls are built entirely of Roman and Byzantine marble relics,
sculpted with reliefs depicting the ancient calendar of feasts. (For further details see
also
Mitropoli
.)
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3. KAPNIKAREA
This lovely little church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in the 11th century
over the ruins of an ancient temple. It is laid out in the typical Byzantine cross-in-
square plan, with three apses on the east side and a narthex (a western portico) on
the west. Inside, the church is decorated with medieval mosaics. (For further details
see
Kapnikarea
.)
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4. MONASTIRAKI
This was once the greatest monastery of the area, this is the church from which the
Monastiraki neighbourhood takes its name. “Little monastery” was so named after
the destruction of its many surrounding buildings during 19th-century archaeologic-
al digs. It has since been restored. (For further details see
Plateia Monastiraki
.
)
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