When I first visited Athens back in 2018, churches weren’t part of the plan. I stopped at Agia Dynami because it was small, right on the main street, and honestly, because I was curious how it had survived being wedged between buildings. That short pause turned into years of detours, photo stops, and quiet moments inside places I never would have found if I’d stuck to the usual Athens itineraries.
As someone Orthodox by tradition, I already knew what to expect. But in the city of Athens, the experience felt different. I didn’t need to attend a service to feel the meaning behind a faded fresco or an incense-scented space. Beyond places of worship, these are living traces of Byzantine architecture, community stories, and ancient rituals still part of daily life.
Best Churches Athens Guide
This Athens travel guide pulls together the most beautiful, most historic, and often unexpected churches in Athens. You’ll get more than names and dates. I’ll show you which churches are free, which ones are active, and how to visit respectfully. You’ll learn about churches built over ancient temples, churches hidden inside hillsides, and the best one to visit for a sunset over the city.
If you’re searching for the best churches in Athens to visit or trying to figure out which is the oldest church in Athens, what the dress code is, or whether you can light a candle, this Athens churches guide answers it all. From Byzantine gems to quiet neighborhood chapels, here’s everything I’ve learned, seen, and quietly appreciated over several visits to the city.
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Why Visit Churches in Athens?
Athens has more than 300 churches, from hidden chapels no larger than a living room to monumental cathedrals that host national ceremonies. You’ll find them beside metro stops, tucked into hillsides, behind souvenir stalls, or right in the middle of busy pedestrian streets.
Many of these churches were built over ancient temples, blending Christian and pagan layers of history into a single site. It’s not uncommon to walk into a chapel and see fragments of marble columns or mosaic floors that predate Christianity. The result is a kind of spiritual continuity that’s both surprising and grounding, especially if you’ve spent your day visiting ruins.
Even if you’re not religious, churches in Athens offer something else: cool, quiet, and open spaces where you can pause, reflect, or just take a break from the sun. You don’t need a ticket. You don’t need to speak Greek. You don’t even need to stay long. These spaces are free to enter, and most are active, meaning people come and go all day, lighting candles, whispering prayers, or just stopping for silence.
Visit Athens Tip: Some of the most memorable churches in Athens are the ones you stumble upon by accident. If you see a small arched doorway open, step inside. You might find 11th-century frescoes, a candlelit shrine, or total quiet in the middle of the city.
Top 10 Best Churches in Athens (With Photos, Practical Tips, and Why They Matter)
If you’re searching for the best churches in Athens to visit, this is where to begin. These ten sacred sites combine beauty, historical importance, and spiritual presence. Some are Byzantine churches with thousand-year-old frescoes. Others are active cathedrals, island-style chapels, or places built over ancient temples. I’ve included practical details for visiting each, plus personal notes where I’ve been.
This list blends the most beautiful churches in Athens with meaningful local favorites. Whether you’re coming for architecture, reflection, or photography, these are the Athens churches to visit first.
1. Agia Dynami, My Favorite Tiny Church Hidden in Plain Sight
If you only visit one church in Athens, let it be this one. You’ll find Agia Dynami squeezed into a tight courtyard along Ermou Street, practically underneath a concrete office building. It shouldn’t still exist, but it does. Built in the 16th century over the ruins of an ancient temple, this small Byzantine-style church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary as the Giver of Strength. During Ottoman rule, it was a secret site of resistance, and later, it narrowly escaped demolition when modern construction closed in.
This is the church that changed how I saw Athens. I walked past it by accident, then stopped. It felt protected and unreal. And when I read about its survival, I understood why people still light candles there every day.
You’ll find Agia Dynami Church just a few minutes’ walk from the Syntagma metro. This Athens church is open during the day, especially in the mornings and early evenings. There’s no entrance fee. Dress modestly, this is a functioning place of prayer. Interior photography is discouraged. It feels too intimate, especially when others are inside.
Athens Insider Tip: The frescoes inside are faint but worth a quiet look if the doors are open. From the street, it’s easy to miss, so watch out for the old tiled roof below street level.
2. Panagia Kapnikarea, the Oldest Church in the Center of Athens
Panagia Kapnikarea is one of the oldest churches in Athens, dating back to the mid-11th century. Built on top of an ancient pagan temple (possibly dedicated to Athena or Demeter), it’s a prime example of cross-in-square Byzantine architecture with cloisonné brickwork and a low central dome. It stands right in the middle of Ermou Street, surrounded by shops and tourists, yet it holds its ground as a living monument.
This Athens church survived plans for demolition in the 19th century, reportedly thanks to King Ludwig of Bavaria, and today it remains one of the most photographed and visited sacred sites in the city.
Inside, you’ll find a beautiful mosaic of the Virgin and Child above the narthex and 20th-century frescoes by Photis Kontoglou. It’s free to enter and usually open from early morning to mid-afternoon. Photography without flash is generally accepted, but always be discreet.
The closest metro station is Monastiraki. Panagia Kapnikarea Church is open during the day, often from 8:00 to 14:00. Entry is free.
Local Athens Tip: Visit in the morning when Ermou is quieter. From the street, look up at the layered roof and note how the church rests lower than modern ground level. It shows how much Athens has risen over the centuries.
Athens Photo Tip: Visit early in the morning to photograph it with fewer people around. The rising sun lights the façade perfectly from the east side.
3. Metropolitan Cathedral (Mitropoli), Athens’ Grand Orthodox Seat
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, known locally as the Mitropoli, is the city’s largest and most important Orthodox church. Construction began in 1842 using marble from dozens of demolished churches, and it was finally completed in 1862. Architecturally, it’s a three-aisled basilica with neoclassical touches and soaring ceilings.
This is where state funerals, weddings of Greek royalty, and major religious celebrations take place. Inside, look for mosaics, a grand iconostasis, and the relics of Saint Philothei and Patriarch Gregory V.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is centrally located between Syntagma and Monastiraki, less than 5 minutes on foot from the metro. The square in front often fills with pigeons and tourists, but inside, it’s quiet and reverent
Mitropoli is open daily, and services are held regularly, especially on Sundays. This is the best place to observe Orthodox liturgy in Athens if you’re visiting during a religious holiday. Modest dress is expected, and photography should be kept minimal during liturgies.
Athens Hidden Gem: Don’t miss the much smaller Little Metropolis church just next to it. It’s an entirely different experience carved out of reused ancient stone blocks. (More details about Little Metropolis are available later in this Athens churches guide.)
Churches to visit in Athens: Agios Nikolaos Ragavas
4. Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, Plaka’s Historic Bell-Tower Church
Agios Nikolaos Ragavas sits quietly in Plaka, surrounded by narrow lanes and whitewashed houses. The prominent Rangavas family built this 11th-century church, which is notable for its early Byzantine dome and simple, harmonious design. Its bell is said to have rung in 1833 to mark Athens’ liberation from Ottoman rule.
I passed this Byzantine Athens church on a quiet morning in Plaka and found it nearly empty. The peace in its small courtyard, the smell of candle wax, and the sound of birds overhead made it hard to leave.
The Agios Nikolaos Ragavas church is active, often used for small weddings or name day services. From Syntagma or Monastiraki metro, it’s a 10-minute walk uphill through Plaka’s charming alleys. You’ll find this Athens church often open during the day, but hours vary. Entry is free. Photography of the exterior is welcome. Inside, keep it discreet because many people come here to pray.
Athens Photo Tip: Approach from the east side to photograph Agios Nikolaos Ragavas church with the Acropolis in the background, especially in soft afternoon light.
Visit Athens Tip: Turn the corner after your visit, and you’ll find Anafiotika, one of Athens’ most atmospheric micro-neighborhoods.
5. Church of the Holy Apostles, the Ancient Agora Treasure
This is one of the few churches in Athens located inside an archaeological site. The Church of the Holy Apostles, built in the late 10th century, sits within the Ancient Agora and has been carefully restored to its original cross-in-square plan. It’s a key example of middle Byzantine architecture, featuring brick and stone decoration and a small central dome.
Because it’s inside the Ancient Agora, you’ll need an entrance ticket to visit. But it’s worth it if you’re interested in Byzantine churches in Athens with archaeological context. This Athens church stands as a rare survivor, untouched structurally since its construction. Inside are fragments of 17th-century frescoes and a sacred calm rare in open-air ruins.
To visit Church of the Holy Apostles Athens, take the metro to Thissio or Monastiraki and enter the Ancient Agora. The church is near the Stoa of Attalos. It’s open during Ancient Agora opening hours (usually 8:00 to 20:00 in summer), and closed on holidays. Modest dress is recommended, and photography without flash is permitted.
Hidden Detail: Stand on the west side and look for the reused Roman column bases in the foundation stones.
Visit Athens Advice: Visit late in the day when the sun hits the dome. This church glows gold against the stone ruins around it.
6. Agia Irini and Neoclassical Architecture
Located just steps from Monastiraki Square, Agia Irini is an 1846 neoclassical church that once served as Athens’ main cathedral before the current Mitropoli was completed. It was partially restored in 1835 and is notable for its columned façade, large size, and richly decorated interior.
Agia Irini Church is open daily and hosts regular services. Entry is free, but remember it’s active, so avoid loud conversation or walking during liturgy. Modest attire is required, and you can usually take photos outside. Interior photography depends on timing and staff.
Just off Aiolou Street, this Athens church is easy to reach from Monastiraki or Syntagma.
Athens Photo Tip: If you’re walking around the area, stop here during golden hour. The light hits the bell towers beautifully.
7. St. George on Lycabettus Hill, the Athens Church with the Best View
Perched at the top of Lycabettus Hill, St. George is a small, whitewashed chapel with a massive view. Built in the 18th century on what was once the site of a temple to Zeus, this church draws locals and tourists alike for sunset services and Easter night fireworks.
The climb to the top is steep (or take the Lycabettus funicular!), but the reward is panoramic. The chapel itself is simple. It has a bell tower, a stone floor, and a quiet dome. However, the setting makes it one of the most beautiful churches in Athens.
You can reach the hill by funicular from Kolonaki (Aristippou Street) or on foot via a steep but manageable hike. St. George Church on Lycabettus Hill is usually open during the day and around major holidays, especially Orthodox Easter, when it becomes a candlelit beacon visible from below. It’s free to visit, but dress appropriately. Bring water if hiking.
Athens Insider Tip: Visit just before sunset for the best light and a seat along the stone wall. The city turns gold, and the chapel glows against the sky. It fills up fast.
Churches to visit in Athens: Agios Ioannis Theologos
8. Agios Ioannis Theologos, a Quiet and Intimate Church in Athens
Agios Ioannis Theologos is one of those Byzantine churches in Athens that quietly blend into the neighborhood. Tucked into the lower slopes of Plaka, it dates from the 11th century and features classic red-tile roofing and cloisonné masonry. With low lighting and simple frescoes, it has a layout that feels familiar to anyone who’s visited rural chapels in Greece.
I stopped here late in the afternoon when the streets had emptied out. The iron gate was open, the courtyard shaded, and I sat on a low wall with no one else around.
Agios Ioannis Theologos Church is active but not often open outside of liturgy. Still, the exterior is beautiful, with brick detailing and wildflowers often growing nearby. It’s a quiet break in the middle of the tourist-heavy historic core.
From Monastiraki, this Athens church is a short walk northeast. You can also look for it while walking from Anafiotika down toward Monastiraki.
Athens Insider Tip: It’s one of the best places in central Athens to rest without anyone asking you to move or buy something.
9. Little Metropolis (Panagia Gorgoepikoos), the Marble Icon Puzzle
Next to the main cathedral in Syntagma is Little Metropolis, also known as Panagia Gorgoepikoos or Agios Eleftherios. The church was once dedicated to Agios Eleftherios, but today both names are used.
This tiny 12th-century church is built almost entirely from reused ancient marble blocks, including sculpted reliefs from pagan temples, making it a sort of open-air museum. There’s no mortar holding the walls together, and the reliefs include everything from lions to zodiac symbols, making it a puzzle of visual history.
Panagia Gorgoepikoos or Agios Eleftherios is no longer used regularly for liturgies, but it remains open for visitors. Entry is free, and there is no formal dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated. Photography is allowed, but please be discreet.
Visit Athens Tip: Circle the building slowly and stay close to the walls to scan each block. It’s like a game of mythological hide-and-seek in marble or like reading a story with no captions.
10. Daphni Monastery, a UNESCO Site Just Outside Athens
If you want to see the most complete Byzantine mosaics near Athens, go to Daphni Monastery. Located in Haidari, about 11 km from the city center, this 11th-century monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the dome and refined cloisonné brickwork.
The dome is breathtaking. It’s gold, quiet, and suspended above you like a crown. The entire complex is being carefully preserved, and though it’s outside the core tourist area, it’s well worth the trip if you’re interested in art, history, or Orthodox religious heritage.
Daphni Monastery is harder to reach but possible by taking the metro to Agia Marina and then a short taxi ride or bus. Opening hours vary, and there’s an admission fee (around €3). Wear modest clothes and avoid flash photography.
Athens Travel Tip: If you enjoy slow travel, plan a morning here followed by lunch in nearby Haidari or a walk in the surrounding pine forest.
Visit Greater Athens: Combine this visit with a stop at the nearby Kaisariani Monastery if you have a half day. Both offer a view into spiritual life beyond the city’s buzz.
The Oldest Churches in Athens. A Timeline of Faith and Architecture
If you’re drawn to history, the oldest churches in Athens offer some of the most vivid traces of the city’s spiritual evolution. These buildings are centuries-old survivors, layered over ancient temples and pagan sanctuaries, and still serving as active places of worship. Many of them represent the Byzantine churches Athens is most known for, and together they form a kind of timeline where you can trace changing art, architecture, and devotion.
Most of these historic churches in Athens follow the cross-in-square design, with modest domes, cloisonné brickwork, and interiors that combine simplicity with sacred imagery. Some have been restored. Others remain close to their original form, with faded frescoes and marble thresholds worn smooth by generations of feet.
Here are six of the most important to seek out:
| Church | Century | Type | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panagia Kapnikarea | 11th | Cross-in-square | Built over a pagan temple, central location, still active |
| Church of the Holy Apostles | 10th | Cross-in-square | In Ancient Agora, early Byzantine design, frescoes |
| Panagia Pantanassa | 10th | Katholikon (monastic) | Gave Monastiraki its name, partial ruins visible |
| Agii Theodori | 11th (older core possible) | Transitional Byzantine | Possibly oldest, simple exterior, near Klafthmonos |
| Agios Nikolaos Rangavas | 11th | Cross-in-square | First bell to ring post-liberation, Plaka location |
| Little Metropolis | 12th | Small Byzantine chapel | Built from ancient marble blocks, no mortar construction |
Panagia Kapnikarea, built around 1050 AD, is not only the oldest church in the Athens city center, but also one of its most beloved. It stands right in the middle of Ermou Street, surrounded by shopping crowds. Inside, it feels removed from everything modern. The interior is dim and atmospheric, with icons glowing in candlelight. This church was nearly demolished during 19th-century city planning but was saved by royal intervention.
In the Ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles is older still, dating from the late 10th century. It was built over a Roman nymphaeum and is one of the only churches in Athens to survive in its original Byzantine form. Its cloisonné walls, central dome, and layout became a model for many that followed. Entry requires an Agora site ticket.
Panagia Pantanassa, located in Monastiraki Square, was once part of a larger monastery. Today, only the katholikon remains. While exact dating varies, most sources place it in the 10th century. The church gave Monastiraki its name. (Monastiraki means little monastery.)
Agii Theodori, west of Klafthmonos Square, is less visited but important. Some historians believe it may be the oldest surviving church in Athens, though its visible structure likely dates to the 11th century. It’s a small, quiet church in a business district, offering a rare calm spot among offices and coffee shops.
In Plaka, Agios Nikolaos Rangavas has a unique place in modern Greek history. Its bell, recast after centuries of silence, was the first to ring in celebration of Athens’ liberation from Ottoman rule in 1833. The church itself is an elegant 11th-century structure with refined proportions and one of the best-preserved Athenian domes in the city.
Finally, the Little Metropolis (also called Panagia Gorgoepikoos) sits beside the large Mitropoli Cathedral. It’s a 12th-century jewel built entirely from repurposed marble blocks featuring reliefs and carvings from classical antiquity. With no mortar holding it together, it is a visual link between ancient and Byzantine worlds.
Visit Athens Churches Advice: These churches are often active and still hold regular liturgies. If you want to go inside, go early in the morning or during midday breaks between services. If people are praying, step inside quietly or simply admire the exterior. Some of the best details are on the outside walls.
Hidden Churches in Athens. Intimate, Unexpected, and Local-Loved
Some of the most meaningful churches in Athens aren’t the grandest or the oldest but the ones you find by accident. These hidden churches in Athens are often small, quiet, and folded into the city’s everyday life. Many sit behind locked gates or within gardens, others appear when you turn the wrong corner in Plaka. They’re the kinds of places you won’t always find on maps, but they’re among the city’s most intimate sacred spaces.
If you’re looking for off the beaten path churches in Athens, this is where to start. These aren’t crowd-pleasers for Instagram. They’re Athens hidden gems for travelers who prefer slow walks and spontaneous detours to big tours.
Agia Dynami, although already mentioned as a favorite, deserves to open this section. Beneath a modern hotel near Syntagma, it often goes unnoticed by people rushing down Mitropoleos Street. Built on the ruins of a sanctuary to Hercules, it’s small, candlelit, and surprisingly peaceful for its location. The contrast between the ancient structure and the glass building around it makes it one of the city’s quiet visual shocks. I passed it several times before I stepped inside. And when I did, the silence was immediate.
Not far from the Theatre of Dionysus, behind a low wall and inside a rock face, is Panagia Chrysospiliotissa, also called the Chapel of the Madonna of the Cave. This cave church isn’t marked clearly and doesn’t show up on every tourist map. It’s a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility blessings, and the space feels almost subterranean. If the gate is open, you’ll descend into a space barely big enough to stand, where a 12th-century icon is still venerated.
In the heart of Anafiotika, two churches (Agios Georgios and Agios Symeon) are easy to miss but full of charm. Anafiotika itself feels like a Cycladic village dropped on the slopes of the Acropolis, and these chapels blend seamlessly into whitewashed walls and narrow alleys. These are not monumental buildings. They’re working churches, used by the local families who still live here, with pots of basil on the stoop and a broom leaning near the door.
One of the most unusual churches I’ve come across is St. John Around the Column (Agios Ioannis stin Kolona), in the northern part of Plaka. The church is small, worn, and built directly around a column that dates back over 2,000 years, possibly to a Roman temple. The column rises through the roof and remains in place like a silent witness to everything that’s happened since. I only found this one after seeing it in some old Reddit thread.
Another quiet favorite is Agia Ekaterini, located just below the eastern edge of the Roman Agora. Set back from the street in a shaded garden, this church feels like a retreat even before you enter. It’s sometimes closed, but the setting is worth the visit alone: bougainvillea, still air, and the sound of birds even in high season. The building itself is modest, with later additions that show its layered history.
Scattered through Plaka, you’ll find several other lesser-known chapels, often with little signage. Some are only open on feast days. Others are locked but can be viewed through gates or from nearby steps. They’re built into retaining walls or nestled between 19th-century houses, and many still have incense holders, fresh flowers, or handwritten notices pinned to their doors.
Personal Athens Advice: I don’t usually take photos inside these smaller churches in Athens. They feel too personal, too close. If someone is praying or lighting a candle, I step quietly out or stand at the door. You’ll find these spaces more rewarding if you pause and let them be what they are: places of stillness in a noisy city.
Understanding Byzantine Church Architecture in Athens
If you’re curious about the architecture of churches in Athens, you’ll quickly see patterns: compact buildings with domes, stone arches, and warm-colored brickwork. These aren’t just stylistic choices. They’re defining features of Byzantine churches in Athens, many of which have stood for nearly a thousand years. To understand the city’s sacred spaces, it helps to know what you’re looking at.
Most historic Orthodox churches in Athens follow the cross-in-square layout, a design that emerged during the Middle Byzantine period. From the outside, these churches often look modest or square-shaped. Inside, they’re divided into three main spaces: a central nave, two side aisles, and a dome above the crossing. This form creates symmetry and draws your eyes upward, toward the dome, where Christ Pantokrator (Ruler of All) is usually depicted in mosaics or frescoes.
Orthodox Church Tip: Don’t stand with your back towards the central nave. In some very traditional places, mostly in rural areas, it’s frowned upon to have your back towards the nave at any given moment, so you exit backwards while facing the nave.
Many of these churches were built using cloisonné masonry, a hallmark of local craftsmanship. You’ll recognize it by the alternating bands of brick and stone, often with decorative patterns. Church Kapnikarea is one of the best examples in central Athens. Look closely and you’ll see crosses formed from bricks, inset ceramic discs, and other small flourishes that blend structure with symbolism.
A particularly local variant is the Athenian dome. Unlike larger domes seen in western Europe or imperial Constantinople, the Athenian version is smaller, often octagonal, and richly detailed. These domes typically sit atop a compact drum with narrow windows and are covered in red tiles. You’ll see excellent examples at Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, Holy Apostles, and the Little Metropolis.
Inside these churches, the focus shifts to frescoes and mosaics. While many frescoes have been damaged by time or whitewashed during past occupations, some have survived in remarkable condition. The Church of the Holy Apostles preserves fragments from the 17th century, and Daphni Monastery, just outside Athens, has one of the finest surviving mosaic domes in Greece, featuring Christ Pantokrator surrounded by prophets in gold.
One key difference you’ll notice is between active churches and museum-status sites. Active churches in Athens are used for worship (candles, icons, services), so you’ll find a lived-in atmosphere, incense, and often modern additions. Photography rules are stricter, and the dress code applies. Museum-status churches in Athens, like Daphni Church, are archaeological sites. You can take photos (usually without flash), and signs will guide your visit, like in any historical monument.
Athens Travel Tip: If you’re looking for the best churches in Athens to see original wall paintings, include Panagia Kapnikarea, Holy Apostles, and Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris on your list. Even if the frescoes are faded, they retain a quiet presence that gives you a sense of the building’s long history.
Understanding these elements will change how you look at every church in Athens. What seems simple becomes layered with meaning, much like the Greek capital itself.
How to Visit Churches in Athens (Without Being Clueless)
If you’re planning to step inside any of the churches in Athens, it’s worth knowing how to do it respectfully. These historic landmarks are also active places of worship, and while most are open to visitors, the rules aren’t always written on the door. This guide answers the most common questions travelers ask, from opening hours to dress code to whether tourists can enter Orthodox churches without causing offence.
Are Churches in Athens Free?
Yes. Almost all churches in Athens are free to enter. You don’t need a ticket, guide, or reservation. The exception is when a church sits inside an archaeological zone, like the Church of the Holy Apostles in the Ancient Agora or Daphni Monastery just outside the city. In those cases, you’ll need a site admission ticket. Everywhere else, entry is informal. Step in quietly, stay as long or short as you like, and drop a coin in the candle box if you want to light one.
What Is the Dress Code When You Visit Greek Churches in Athens?
The general rule is simple: modest attire. That means no short shorts, no bare shoulders, and no hats inside, for both men and women. While no one will throw you out for being underdressed, it’s respectful to make an effort, especially if others are there to pray or attend a service.
Personal Athens Advice: I always carry a large scarf in my bag. It’s useful not just for sun and wind but for moments like this, when a bit of modesty goes a long way in showing cultural respect.
Athens Churches Photography Etiquette
This is where things get murky. Some churches allow interior photography (no flash). Others don’t. And most don’t have clear signs.
The safest approach is to always ask first, or follow what locals do. Never use a flash. Avoid standing in the center of the aisle to take photos during services. Don’t photograph people without permission. In small, dimly lit chapels, it’s often best not to shoot at all.
Personal Athens Advice: I rarely photograph interiors if anyone is already inside because I feel like I’m intruding on other people’s intimacy. I’ll take a quiet moment, then leave without pulling out my phone.
Typical Opening Hours for Churches in Athens
Most Orthodox churches in Athens don’t keep fixed tourist hours. A general pattern looks like this:
- Morning: Open from 8:00 to 12:00
- Afternoon: Reopen around 16:00 to 18:00
- Midday: Often closed
- Sundays & feast days: Active from early morning, especially around 7:30-10:30.
Smaller churches may only open during liturgy. Larger churches (like the Mitropoli) stay open more consistently. If you’re unsure, aim for weekday mornings.
Greek Churches Mass Schedule & Language
You can absolutely attend a service as a visitor, even if you’re not Christian-Orthodox. Just arrive quietly, stand at the back, and don’t feel pressured to participate.
Most Orthodox services in Athens are in Greek. They’re chant-based and follow a structure that repeats throughout the liturgical year. You don’t need to understand everything to appreciate the atmosphere.
However, if you’re looking for a church service in English, your best options are:
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Filellinon Street, near Syntagma)
- Catholic Cathedral of St. Dionysius (Panepistimiou Street).
These offer services in English or bilingual liturgies, usually on Sunday mornings.
Athens Travel Tip: If you’re in Athens during Orthodox Easter, don’t miss the midnight service on Holy Saturday. Even if you only watch from outside, the atmosphere (candles, chanting, and even fireworks) is unforgettable.
Understanding these basics will help you visit churches in Athens respectfully and get more out of the experience. You don’t need to know the prayers or the rituals. You just need to walk in quietly, look up, and take your time.
Athens Churches by Neighborhood
If you’re planning your visit based on where you’re staying or exploring on foot, it helps to know where to find the most beautiful churches in Athens by area. Many of the city’s historic churches are concentrated in walkable neighborhoods, so grouping them by location not only saves time but reveals how the city’s sacred spaces are woven into daily life. Whether you’re wandering through markets, climbing pine-covered hills, or pausing between archaeological sites, there’s almost always a church nearby. This section breaks down churches in Athens by neighborhood, helping you explore the Greek capital with purpose.
Plaka & Anafiotika
Plaka is the oldest part of the city, and it shows. Its narrow stone streets are lined with Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, and hidden courtyards. This area holds some of the oldest and most picturesque churches in Athens, like Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Little Metropolis), and Agios Ioannis Theologos.
In the adjacent Anafiotika quarter, which feels like a Cycladic island tucked beneath the Acropolis, you’ll stumble upon tiny chapels like Agios Symeon and Agios Georgios. These churches are often closed except during services, but even from the outside, they offer a glimpse of old Athens: whitewashed, quiet, and filled with flowers.
From Syntagma or Monastiraki metro, you can reach them all within 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
Monastiraki
Known for its markets, flea stalls, and dense pedestrian traffic, Monastiraki is more than just a shopping hub. It’s also home to some of the best-hidden churches in Athens, tucked between souvenir shops and tavernas. Panagia Pantanassa, which gave Monastiraki its name, still functions as a church and sits right at the center of the square.
Just a few streets over, Agia Irini stands tall with its neoclassical façade and blooming courtyard.
Last but not least, the Church of the Holy Apostles, located inside the Ancient Agora, is one of the oldest in Athens and shows how religious spaces often stand on older sacred ground. Monastiraki is well connected by metro and easy to explore as part of a self-guided walking route.
Syntagma
Syntagma may be best known for the Greek Parliament and luxury hotels, but it’s also home to the city’s most prominent Orthodox cathedral: the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, often referred to as the Mitropoli. Built in the 19th century with marble from demolished churches, it’s the seat of the Archbishop and hosts major religious events. Next to it is the smaller but more architecturally fascinating Little Metropolis, built entirely from repurposed ancient marble reliefs.
Nearby, you’ll find Agia Dynami, a tiny church wedged beneath a modern hotel. It’s my personal favorite, and one of the city’s quiet surprises. All of these are just minutes from the central metro station and can be visited in under an hour if you’re short on time.
Lycabettus
For churches with a view, Lycabettus Hill offers the best vantage point in Athens. At its summit sits Agios Georgios, a whitewashed chapel visible from nearly every part of the city. Built in the 19th century, it’s not the oldest church on this list, but the location gives it significance. This is where locals come for Orthodox Easter, for weddings, or just to light a candle while watching the sunset. You can reach the hill on foot through Kolonaki or take the funicular railway.
At the base and along the ascent, you’ll find a few smaller chapels as well, including Agios Isidoros, set partly in a rock wall and often adorned with fresh flowers and handwritten prayers.
Filopappou Hill
Across from the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill offers a quieter, greener alternative to the city center. Here you’ll find Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, a 16th-century church known for its surviving frescoes and the story of a cannonball that miraculously never detonated. The church is shaded by pine trees and surrounded by wildflowers in spring. It’s a peaceful stop on the walk toward the monument at the hill’s summit. Filopappou feels far from the crowds, even though it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis metro station. If you’re looking to escape the busy city without going far, this is where Athens slows down.
Exploring Athens churches by neighborhood allows you to move through the city with both direction and curiosity. Whether you’re staying in Plaka, browsing Monastiraki, or hiking Lycabettus, there’s a sacred site nearby ready to offer shade, silence, and a deeper connection to Athens’ layered past.
Self-Guided Church Walks in Athens
If you enjoy exploring on foot, Athens is ideal for a church walking tour. Many of the most important and beautiful churches in Athens are clustered within walking distance of each other, especially around Plaka, Monastiraki, and the hills surrounding the Acropolis. With a little planning, you can see multiple centuries-old Byzantine churches, intimate chapels, and panoramic viewpoints in one morning or afternoon without taking a single taxi.
This section offers three curated routes for a self-guided church walk in Athens, including stops for rest, scenic views, and photography. These routes are perfect for slow travelers, history lovers, and anyone looking to go beyond the museum circuit. All churches listed are free to visit unless noted otherwise.
1. Plaka + Anafiotika Route
One of the best routes begins in Plaka and continues into Anafiotika, where the churches feel integrated into the architecture of the city itself. You might start with Panagia Kapnikarea, one of the oldest and most iconic Byzantine churches in Athens, located in the middle of Ermou Street.
From there, walking toward the edge of Plaka takes you to Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, a church known for its historic bell tower and refined Athenian dome.
A short walk away, you’ll find Little Metropolis, also known as Panagia Gorgoepikoos, which sits just beside the main cathedral and stands out with its unusual construction, entirely built from repurposed ancient marble blocks.
Continuing uphill into Anafiotika brings you to two small Cycladic-style chapels, Agios Georgios and Agios Symeon, which blend almost invisibly into the whitewashed Cycladic-like village below the Acropolis.
This entire Athens walk is easy to access from either Syntagma or Monastiraki metro stations and is best done in the morning before the streets fill with tour groups.
2. Monastiraki to Ancient Agora
Another excellent walking route to see Athens Churches starts at Monastiraki Square and leads west into the Ancient Agora. The first stop is Panagia Pantanassa, the former katholikon of a now-vanished monastery that gave Monastiraki its name.
From there, it’s just a few minutes to Agia Irini, a neoclassical church with beautiful murals, a surprising space of calm near the central market streets.
Entering the Ancient Agora site (with a valid ticket!), you’ll find the Church of the Holy Apostles, a 10th-century monument built over a Roman fountain. Its cross-in-square design and faded frescoes make it a textbook example of Byzantine church architecture in Athens, and it’s one of the few churches in the city to have survived in its original form.
This Athens route includes paid entry to the Agora, but it’s one of the few places where ancient pagan ruins and early Christian buildings overlap in one open-air site. It’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon and can be extended by continuing through Thissio or looping back into Plaka for dinner. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. Athens Hill Walk
If you prefer a more scenic and physically engaging route, a hill walk combines Filopappou Hill and Lycabettus Hill, linking two churches with dramatically different settings. Begin at Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, a 16th-century chapel known for its frescoes and the legend of a miraculous cannon misfire during Ottoman times. The church sits along a pine-shaded path that climbs Filopappou Hill, just across from the Acropolis.
Later in the day, head to Kolonaki and either walk or take the Lycabettus funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus, where the whitewashed chapel of St. George offers the best panoramic view in Athens. Though it’s not a Byzantine site, the setting and visibility make it one of the most photographed churches in Athens, particularly at sunset when the city lights begin to glow.
This Athens walk is more challenging, with elevation changes, but it also rewards you with spectacular views and unique churches.
Athens Walking Tip: Wear good shoes and carry water. These churches are worth the climb, especially close to sunset.
You don’t need a tour guide to experience the spiritual and architectural legacy of Athens. With these self-guided walks, you’ll see some of the most beautiful and historic churches the city has to offer at your own pace.
Church Tours from Athens. Should You Book One?
If you’re interested in Christian heritage in Greece, joining one of the available church tours Athens can offer structure, historical depth, and access to places that are difficult to visit independently. While many Orthodox churches in Athens are easy to explore on your own, certain sites (especially those outside the city) benefit from knowledgeable guides and organised transport. These religious tours from Athens range from thematic day trips to archaeological sites linked to the New Testament, to excursions into the countryside where Byzantine monasteries still preserve sacred art in near silence.
Whether you’re curious about St. Paul’s journey through Greece, want to witness living Orthodox tradition, or simply prefer having logistics handled, the following tours are some of the most reputable and relevant options available.
Guided Church Tours Athens
One of the most in-depth tours for faith-focused travelers is the Private Biblical Tour of the Isthmus Canal and Ancient Corinth, which departs from Athens and traces the path of St. Paul’s preaching. It includes hotel pickup, a private driver-guide, and plenty of time to walk through Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul established one of the earliest Christian communities in Europe. You will see the Corinth Canal, the Agora, the Bema (where Paul stood trial), and the ruins of several early churches. You’ll also visit the archaeological museum, which houses Christian-era inscriptions and mosaics. This tour is suitable for anyone with a biblical or historical interest, and the pace allows for reflection and photography.
For travelers more interested in Orthodox spirituality and Byzantine monasticism, the Meteora Day Trip by Train from Athens is hard to match. Meteora is one of the most photogenic religious destinations in Greece: six still-functioning monasteries built on sandstone pillars hundreds of meters above the Thessalian plain. This tour includes early train travel to Kalambaka, a local driver who guides you through Meteora’s rockscape, and entry to multiple perched monasteries. Along the way, you’ll learn about the role these monasteries played in resisting Ottoman control and preserving Orthodox teachings during centuries of occupation. Dress modestly: women should wear long skirts, and men long trousers. Monasteries enforce the dress code at the door.
If you have more time and want to immerse yourself in Greece’s sacred landscape at a slower pace, the Two-Day Delphi and Meteora Tour from Athens is one of the most rewarding itineraries available. On day one, you’ll travel to Delphi, home of the famous oracle and sanctuary of Apollo, but also an early center of religious transition where ancient Greek spirituality gave way to Christianity. You’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the Delphi Museum. After an overnight stay in the mountain town of Kalambaka, day two is devoted to visiting Meteora. You’ll explore two of the main clifftop monasteries, learning about their foundation by hermit monks, their role during foreign occupations, and the delicate frescoes and manuscript collections preserved inside. The tour includes transport, accommodation, a professional guide, and some meals. It’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in Orthodox monasteries, Byzantine sacred art, and the connections between ancient myth and Christian theology.
Each of these tours offers a distinct lens on Greece’s religious history, whether that’s St. Paul’s missionary path, Byzantine monasticism, or the shift from pagan temples to Christian sites. All include logistics like pickup, transport, and entry tickets, making them ideal if you’re looking for a seamless experience that balances sacred storytelling with sightseeing. In all cases, having a guide brings context to what you’re seeing, especially when it comes to reading inscriptions, understanding relics, or decoding religious symbolism.
What to Expect on an Athens Church Tour
Most church tours from Athens start with morning pickup from central hotels or a designated meeting point near Syntagma or Monastiraki. Transport is usually by private minivan or air-conditioned coach for Corinth-area trips, while Meteora tours rely on early morning trains (typically departing Athens around 7:00 and returning by 21:00). Some tours include meals; others allow time for lunch at local tavernas.
You can expect basic orientation in the history of the church or monastery, background on the saints involved (particularly St. Paul in Corinth or the monastic founders of Meteora), and plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Entry fees are usually included or paid on arrival. Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and in select interiors, though flash is generally prohibited, and in active monasteries, some sections remain off-limits.
Athens Church Tour Tip: Dress code is enforced more strictly outside the city. Women should carry a long skirt or wrap, and men should avoid shorts. Monasteries at Meteora and Daphni will provide wraparounds if needed, but it’s better to come prepared.
Self-Guided Alternatives
If you’d rather explore without a guide, Athens is easy to manage on your own. The city’s Byzantine churches, chapels, and cathedrals are clustered in the walkable historic center, and I’ve provided detailed self-guided walking routes in this guide that cover Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki, and Filopappou Hill.
You can also use mobile apps like GPSmyCity or digital guides from the Greek Ministry of Culture to build your own thematic route. Several walking tour apps include church listings with audio descriptions, translated inscriptions, and visitor notes. While these won’t replace the depth of a guide, they’re useful if you want quiet time and flexibility without missing key facts.
If you’re planning to visit Meteora, Daphni Monastery, or Ancient Corinth independently, keep in mind that public transport is limited, and local signage is sparse. Unless you speak Greek or are familiar with Orthodox liturgy and historical contexts, a guide may help you appreciate what you’re seeing on a deeper level.
Whether guided or self-paced, visiting churches in and around Athens offers much more than sightseeing. It connects you to centuries of belief, resistance, ritual, and quiet moments that remain part of everyday life in Greece.
Major Religious Events in Greece and When to Visit Athens
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit churches in Athens, consider aligning your trip with the city’s major religious festivals. These events transform the atmosphere inside and outside churches. Icons are adorned with flowers, candles burn late into the night, and ancient rituals take over the streets. From solemn liturgies to open-air fireworks, Orthodox Easter in Athens, Christmas, and name day processions offer unforgettable ways to experience living tradition in Greece’s capital.
Spend Greek Orthodox Easter in Athens
The most significant celebration in the Greek Orthodox calendar is Easter, usually falling in April or early May, depending on the lunar calendar. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is full of evening services, hymns, and candlelit processions. On Holy Saturday, just before midnight, people gather outside churches across the city for the Resurrection service.
One of the best places to experience Easter in Athens is St. George on Lycabettus Hill. Locals climb the path or take the Lycabettus funicular to reach the hilltop chapel, where thousands of candles are lit just before midnight, followed by fireworks that illuminate the entire city skyline. The contrast between the ancient chant and the modern city below is unforgettable.
Athens Insider Tip: During Holy Week, churches become very busy, especially in the late morning and early evening. If you’re visiting for reflection or photography rather than worship, aim for early morning hours unless you plan to attend the service. The candlelit interiors are beautiful, but the crowds can be dense. Timing makes all the difference.
Greek Christmas & Epiphany in Athens
Christmas in Athens is quieter than Easter but still holds deep religious meaning. Churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Agia Irini, and Panagia Kapnikarea are decorated with fir branches, gold icons, and nativity scenes. Services on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning include traditional Orthodox hymns and readings.
In early January, the celebration of Epiphany marks the baptism of Christ and includes a water blessing ritual. While this is more visible in seaside towns, Athens still holds Epiphany services in major churches, and some neighborhoods organise symbolic water processions or blessings of public fountains.
Name Days & Saint Festivals in Greece
Throughout the year, many churches celebrate the name day of the saint they’re dedicated to. On these feast days, the church will be open earlier and longer than usual, with extra services and often free sweets (like koliva or loukoumi) offered to visitors.
For example, Agios Dimitrios is celebrated on 26 October, while Agios Nikolaos is celebrated on 6 December. Even if you’re not religious, visiting a church on its name day can offer a deeper sense of connection to the community and the building itself.
FAQs About Visiting Churches in Athens
If you’re planning to explore the churches in Athens, a few common questions tend to come up, especially for first-time visitors or travelers unfamiliar with Orthodox customs. This section answers the most practical concerns, helping you feel confident and respectful as you step into these sacred spaces. Whether you’re curious about etiquette, hours, or how services work, these answers will guide your visit.
What’s the oldest church in Athens?
The oldest surviving church in Athens is generally considered to be the Church of the Holy Apostles, located inside the Ancient Agora. Built in the 10th century, it represents the early cross-in-square style that would define many later Byzantine churches in Athens. That said, Panagia Kapnikarea, built in the 11th century right in the center of Ermou Street, is the oldest functioning church in the city center and one of the most visited.
Can I enter if I’m not Greek-Orthodox?
Yes. Non-Orthodox visitors are welcome in all churches in Athens. You don’t need to be Orthodox (or religious at all) to step inside. Just enter quietly, dress modestly, and avoid interrupting services. Photography rules vary, and it’s always best to observe the atmosphere before taking out your phone or camera.
What do I wear to visit a church in Athens?
There’s no strict dress code for city churches, but modest clothing is expected. That means covering shoulders, avoiding shorts or short skirts above the knee, and removing hats inside. While you won’t be turned away in casual clothes, showing respect through your clothing is appreciated, especially during liturgy or in smaller neighborhood chapels. I always carry a lightweight scarf/pareo for this reason.
Are there English-speaking services in Athens?
Yes, though they are limited. St. Paul’s Anglican Church near Syntagma offers services in English, as does the Catholic Cathedral of St. Dionysius on Panepistimiou Street. Orthodox services are conducted in Greek and follow the traditional liturgical structure with chanting, incense, and icon veneration. Even if you don’t understand the language, the rhythm and setting can be a powerful experience.
Can I light a candle in an Athens church?
Yes. In most Orthodox churches in Athens, you’ll find a sand-filled tray where you can light a candle and say a quiet prayer or intention. There’s usually a small box nearby for a donation (typically €0.50 to €1 is customary), but it’s not required. If others are lighting candles, follow their example and move calmly.
Are churches in Athens open on Sundays?
Yes, and in fact Sunday morning is the most active time to visit. Most churches hold Divine Liturgy starting around 7:30 or 8:00 and ending by 10:30 or 11:00. If you’re planning to attend or observe, arrive early and stand at the back. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and experience the space quietly, it’s better to visit in the early afternoon after services have ended. Keep in mind that some smaller churches may close entirely outside liturgy hours on Sundays.
These practical answers cover what most travelers want to know before visiting churches in Athens. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you experience these places with confidence and respect.
Final Tips Before You Visit Athens Churches
Before you set off to explore the churches of Athens, keep one thing in mind: these spaces weren’t built to impress tourists. They were built for prayer, for community, for moments of quiet that still live on behind the city’s traffic and ruins. Even the smallest Byzantine chapel or neoclassical church can offer something unexpected if you take the time to stop.
Don’t rush. Step inside even the unmarked, forgotten ones you find in alleys or behind garden gates. These chapels may not appear in any guidebook, but they’re often the ones that linger in your memory.
Respect the quiet. Even in a busy district like Plaka or Monastiraki, the second you enter a church, everything slows down. Lighting a candle, pausing in front of an icon, or simply breathing in the scent of incense can become a travel moment that grounds you more than any museum ever will.
And always look up. In many churches, the best surviving frescoes and dome paintings are overhead. You’ll miss them if you only look at the icons on the walls.
You can find the best churches in Athens while walking somewhere, tired or lost. You’ll suddenly see a doorway open. Go in. That’s where the story starts.
BONUS: Differences Between Various Places of Worship
Being from Romania, where most of the population is Christian Orthodox, I was very used to the look and scent of the Greek Orthodox Churches, as it felt familiar. Mathieu, however, who comes from a Catholic family, was surprised every time by how small the Greek churches were, how crammed with furniture and icons, and how strong the incense smell.
To make it less of a shock, I recommend you watch just a few minutes from Mr. Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Quran, where Momo learns how to recognize a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, and a mosque just by their scents:
If you have time, you should watch the entire movie or even read the book it was made after Monsieur Ibrahim et les Fleurs du Coran, by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt.
This article is also available on GPSmyCity.