Apostle Paul Footsteps E-Bike Tour Athens with Candle Lighting

The Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary—often simply called the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli)—is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral of Athens and one of the city’s most important religious landmarks.

Key facts

Location: Mitropoleos Street, central Athens (near Syntagma & Monastiraki)

Built: 1842–1862, during the reign of King Otto

Role: Seat of the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece

Style: Blend of Neo-Byzantine and neoclassical architecture

✨ Why it matters

It is the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Church in Greece

Houses relics of important saints such as St. Philothea of Athens and Patriarch Gregory V

️ Architecture & interior

Exterior: Grand façade with twin towers and mosaic decoration

Interior:

Rich iconography, chandeliers, and gold accents

Intricate woodwork and religious paintings

Atmosphere: Calm, dimly lit, and deeply spiritual—many visitors describe it as peaceful despite the busy city outside

The Church of St. Mary Pantanassa (Greek: Panagia Pantanassa, meaning “All-Holy Queen”) is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in central Athens, located right in the lively Monastiraki Square.

Location & identity

Situated in Monastiraki Square, opposite the metro station

Surrounded by shops, markets, and ancient ruins

Despite its importance, it’s easy to miss because of the busy surroundings

️ History

Originally built between the 7th–10th century (most likely 10th century)

Was the main church (katholikon) of a large monastery known as the “Great Monastery”

The name “Monastiraki” (“little monastery”) for the entire area comes from this church

The present structure includes later additions from the Ottoman and post-Byzantine periods

Architectural features

Type: Byzantine three-aisled basilica with vaulted structure

Built with irregular stones, giving it a slightly asymmetrical look

The “Little Metropolis” is the nickname of the Church of St. Eleftherios, a tiny but extraordinary Byzantine church right beside the grand Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

Location

Right next to the main cathedral on Mitropoleos Street

In the historic center of Athens

Easy to visit while exploring Syntagma, Plaka, or Monastiraki

️ History

Built in the 12th century during the Byzantine period

Dedicated to:

Saint Eleftherios (protector of pregnant women)

Also known as Panagia Gorgoepikoos (“She who answers prayers quickly”)

Constructed using spolia—materials reused from:

Ancient Greek temples

Early Christian monuments

Biblical significance

Mars Hill is famous in Christianity because of Paul the Apostle:

He delivered a sermon here around 51 AD

Known as the “Sermon on the Areopagus”

Addressed the Athenians about the “Unknown God”

There’s a bronze plaque on the rock today with part of his speech (in Greek).

What to expect today

A bare marble rock hill you can freely climb

No entrance fee

Popular for:

Sunset views

Photography

Relaxing with a panoramic city backdrop

Views from the top

From Mars Hill, you get stunning vistas of:

The Parthenon atop the Acropolis

The Ancient Agora

The sprawling city of Athens

Distant mountains and the sea on clear days

Philopappos Hill—also called Filopappou Hill or the Hill of the Muses—is one of the best places in Athens for a scenic walk and panoramic views, just southwest of the Acropolis.

Location & layout

Directly opposite the Acropolis of Athens

Connected with:

Hill of the Nymphs

Areopagus (Mars Hill)

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of public life in ancient Athens—a place where democracy, philosophy, commerce, and daily life all came together.

Socrates – taught and debated here

Plato – frequented the area

Aristotle – part of the intellectual tradition

Paul the Apostle – preached here before going to the Areopagus

What it feels like today

A large green archaeological park

Much quieter than the Acropolis

Ideal for:

Walking

Photography

Imagining daily life in ancient Athens