Situated at the edge of the Chaidari parkland, the Dafni Monastery is rumoured to have been built at the site of the ancient temple of Apollo Dafnaios.
Surrounded by high defensive walls, the main sanctuary has two means of access. Other structures, including the monks’ chambers and refectory, are also located here. Like most of Athens’ Byzantine buildings, the monastery’s Catholicon dates from the 11th century, and has been restored multiple times throughout its existence.
The monastery gradually fell into disrepair and, by the late 19th century, had been abandoned by the monks, eventually serving as a public mental hospital. Fortunately, though, many of its exquisite, original mosaics have been preserved.
Today, this unique monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
More Churches & Monasteries
Kaisariani Monastery
AthensOverlooking the Kaisariani district from a hill a short distance from Hymettus, the Kaisariani Monastery stands some 350 metres high....
Church of Saints Constantine and Eleni
Glyfada, South SuburbsDedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen, the Cathedral of Glyfada is located near the old City Hall....
Petraki Monastery
North Suburbs, PenteliThe church of the Saints Asomatoi, is located near the Evangelismos Hospital, within the complex housing the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece....
Evangelical Church
AthensBuilt in 1871, the Evangelical Church of Athens is located opposite the Columns of Olympian Zeus at the intersection of Lyssikratous Street and Amalias Avenue....
Saint Nikolaos Ragavas
AthensBuilt in the 11th century, the church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas in Plaka is based on the simple four-aisled, cross-in-square design....
Agios Nikolaos Lemonion Monastery
SalaminaBuilt on the pine-covered slopes of Mount Stavros in Salamina, the Monastery of St. Nikolaos Lemonion stands next to a small, 10th-century church...