The Church of Panagia Pantanassa is another one of those tiny churches that you could almost but not quite blink and miss it. One of the oldest churches in Athens its name come from the Greek for the Virgin Mary. It has some confused origins, either dating from the 7th or the 9th century depending on which source you trust. Located at Monastiraki Square, one of the busiest areas of Athens, it was curious to see how few people were paying attention to it – now lower than the ground level it initially would have dominated this part of the city.
Free to enter its so tiny that it hardly takes five minutes to look around, it is nevertheless a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. Originally the church of a women’s monastery it used to be called Mega Monastiraki but since 1821 the name Monastiraki (small monastery) stuck and lent itself to the surrounding area as well.
I feel a bit like a broken record here but, as usual, remember to be respectful and cover up when entering the church.
Louise Jayne's Blog 