Discovered accidentally in 1934 during quarrying, the Crypt of Agia Philothei is a small natural cave, converted into a chapel by Rigoula Venizelou. The daughter of a famous 16th-century family that lived in Athens during Ottoman occupation, Venizelou died a martyr, and was later canonised with the name Agia Philothei.
After the crypt’s discovery, the village of Nea Alexandria was officially renamed Philothei in her honour.
The crypt, via underground tunnel, connects to the Kalogreza Convent, established by the saint herself on one of her family estates. The Church of Agia Philothei is located beside the crypt.
More Churches & Monasteries
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....
Kaisariani Monastery
AthensOverlooking the Kaisariani district from a hill a short distance from Hymettus, the Kaisariani Monastery stands some 350 metres high....
St. Demetrius the Bombardier
AthensDedicated to St. Demetrius the Bombardier, this small church lies on the Dionysiou Areopagiti pedestrian area at the foot of Philopappos Hill....
Asteriou Monastery
AthensAbove the Kessariani Monastery is another convent, the Monastery of the Taxiarchs, popularly known as the Asteriou Monastery....
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....
The Metamorphosis, Sotira Kottaki Church
AthensThe Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is located on Kydathineon street in Plaka, the old Alikokkou neighbourhood of Athens....