Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The ‘official’ church of Athens (and, by extension, the country) is the headquarters of the Archbishop of Greece.

When was it built

Groundbreaking was held on Christmas day 1842, but construction was halted in 1843 due to lack of funds. The cathedral was finally completed in 1862.

What's the story

Ottoman metropolitan buildings used to stand on this spot.

Why it's important

The cathedral was constructed with materials from over 70 abandoned or ruined churches. The interior includes notable frescoes and icons and a 24-metre-high dome.

Must-see

The ‘small cathedral’ next door. Dedicated to Agios Eleftherios, the 12th-century church is decorated with 90 relief scenes. Look for the crosses carved over them—they were added to ‘neutralise’ any non-Christian images.

Fun fact

The relics of two Orthodox martyrs, Agia Filothei and Patriarch Gregory V, are buried in a marble chest carved by the celebrated Greek sculptor, Yannoulis Halepas. Agia Filothei was made a saint for saving Greek women who’d been taken into Turkish harems. Gregory was dumped into the Bosphorus after hanging, his body rescued and brought back to Athens.