Athens in the Byzantine Era or Eastern Roman Empire
As the Roman Empire began to be governed from Constantinople in the 4th century AD and Christianity took over paganism, Athens’ fortunes began to wane. Many of the monuments we see now as inherently Classical, such as the Parthneon and the Hephaisteion, were converted into churches. Athens became a provincial town of little importance. Until its fortunes changed towards the end of the 11th century when Venetian traders from their posts in the Aegean were attracted to developing industries. During the 11th and 12th century Athens once again flourished, with many Byzantine churches being built at this time.
Byzantine Churches
Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
Built over an ancient Greek temple in the mid 11th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Athens. Now at the heart of the modern city, in the middle of the high pedestrian traffic of Ermou street. During the siege of Athens the church was damaged by cannonballs being fired from the Acropolis. The church was rebuilt, and the interior Byzantine frescoes painted in the first half of the 20th century. It is best known for its striking mosaic of the Panagia and an infant Christ in the south portico above the door.
Church of the Holy Apostles of Solakis
Partially built on the remains of a 2nd century AD nymphaion, the 11th century church is the only surviving medieval monument within the Ancient Agora. The original church was one of the first of the ‘Athenian type’ of Byzantine churches – a cross with apses on the four sides and a narthex at the west, while four piers supported the dome. In 1954, following the removal of the recent additions, the church was restored to its original floor plan. Many of the frescoes date to the 17th century, but some have been brought in from other medieval churches. Access to the church is via the Ancient Agora.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Also known as the Russian Church, as this Byzantine era church serves the Russian community in Athens. Graffiti in the church suggests that the current building was constructed before 1044. With its typical middle Byzantine cross-in-square floor plan this is the largest surviving Byzantine church in Athens. What started out as a Catholic woman’s monastery during the Frankish period was taken over by Benedictine monks. Little of this monastery remains, as it was used by Hasekis to build the city wall. It was badly destroyed during the Revolution, but rebuilt by the Russians.
Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa
Located on the popular Monastiraki square, opposite the entrance to the metro station, is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Athens. In fact the square takes its name from the monastery that was once attached to the church. Sources and opinion vary considerably on the date of its construction, ranging from the 7th to the 12th century. Obviously built with irregular stone, it is a three-aisled vaulted basilica, with each aisle corresponding to one of the three doors on the west side. The belfry was added at the beginning of the 20th century.
Little Metropolis - Panagia Gorgoepikoos
Sometime in the 12th or 13th century, this small church with a typical Byzantine plan was built on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Eileithyia. Many, if not all of the architectural elements used in its construction come from older classical buildings. Clearly visible on the exterior walls are a number of interesting carved reliefs. Modern additions, such as the bell tower, were removed during restorations carried out in the 1850s. So what we see today is as close to its original state as is possible.
Byzantine Collections & Museums
Archaeological Collection of Acharnes
A 25 minute walk from the Mycenaean Tholos Tomb of Acharnes is the archaeological museum for Acharnes and surrounding municipalities. The museum exhibits artefacts recovered from local rescue excavations, including those for the road that lead to the 2004 Olympic Village. Archaeological periods from the Neolithic to the Middle Byzantine period are represented, some 5,800 years of local history. One of many highlights is a red-figure krater made by the so-called Florence Painter in around 460 BC, depicting victorious pentathlon javelin-thrower.
Byzantine & Christian Museum
Founded in 1914, this national museum has over 25,000 religious objects from all over the Greek world. Including areas in the Mediterranean where Hellenism flourished. The artefacts range from the 3rd century AD to the 20th century, covering Early Christian, Byzantine, post-Byzantine, medieval as well as later periods. With rare examples of early Christian pictures, scriptures, frescoes, mosaics, pottery, fabrics and manuscripts, this is one of the world’s most important museums of Byzantine and post-Byzantine culture.
Museum of Paul and Alexandra Kanellopoulos
On the north slopes of the Acropolis is the Neoclassical Michaleas residence, built in 1894 and now home to one of the richest private collections of ancient artefacts. There are over 7,000 objects, ranging in date from the Neolithic period to the Post Byzantine era. The objects are displayed in chronological and thematic order. This was the private collection of Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos that they donated to the Greek state in 1972 and opened to the public in 1976. In 2004 an extension was built so that the entire collection could be exhibited.
