Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

The Cathedral has a number of names including the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. It’s the principal Greek Orthodox church in Athens and is the seat of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. Building began on Christmas Day in 1842 using marble from 72 demolished churches.

The extremely clean lines and symmetry are certainly striking but that’s nothing compared to the interior which has beautiful paintings and decorative touches everywhere you look.

Danish, French and Greek architects all worked on the building project which no doubt explains why it has renaissance and Gothic elements sitting side by side with Greek-Byzantine touches.

As I was admiring the building I was approached by a member of staff informing me that for €3 (entrance to the church itself is free) I could visit the museum in the basement. Naturally I took up the offer not realising what I was about to be confronted with. The museum, which only opened in 2020, is the resting place of many of the church’s relics. There are literally treasures everywhere you look from clothing to icons to tablets and books. Naturally it was the books that really caught my eye, bound in silver and gold and dating from the 1880s they certainly make an impression.

Some other pieces that stood out:

As the most important church in Greece it has been the site of many ceremonies including the marriage of King George I and Queen Olga and the christening of their grandson Prince Philip (yes, as in the husband of Elizabeth II).

A beautiful church and well worth exploring, remember to at least have your shoulders and your knees covered up. Entry as I said before is free with a small charge for the museum.