Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

We stand in the Plateia Mitropoleos, before the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. More commonly known as the 'Mitropoli,' this grand structure is the spiritual center of the Greek…

The exterior of the Cathedral is a fascinating study in 19th-century nation-building. The architects, including Theophil Hansen and Dimitrios Zezos, faced the challenge of creating a building that looked both ancient and modern. …

Stepping inside the Mitropoli, you leave the bright Athenian sun for a realm of golden light and deep shadows. The interior is a massive, three-aisled basilica dominated by a richly decorated iconostasis—the wall of icons that…

Within the Cathedral are two of the most sacred objects in Athens: the silver reliquaries containing the remains of Saint Philothei and Patriarch Gregory V. Saint Philothei, an Athenian noblewoman from the 16th century, is the…

Just a few meters away from the grand Cathedral sits its predecessor, the Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, also known as the 'Little Mitropoli.' Built in the 12th century, this tiny church is one of the most beautiful and unique…

Inside the Cathedral, you will notice a grand, elevated throne made of dark, carved wood. This is the episcopal throne, where the Archbishop sits during the liturgy. …

The Plateia Mitropoleos, the square in front of the Cathedral, is a microcosm of Athenian life. On any given day, you will see a mix of tourists consulting maps, locals heading to the nearby offices, and priests in their black…

As we conclude our tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral and its historic square, let us reflect on the role this site plays in the soul of Athens. The Mitropoli is more than just a collection of stone and icons; it is a living…