Church of the Ascension – “Trypia” Church

The small church of the Ascension or "Trypia Church", i.e. the perforated church as it is known in the wider area, is located a little far from the monastery of Kaisariani, in the forest of Ymittos. It is a hollow and open chapel without a door, like a small cave. It is a small gallery in the forest, the walls of which are full of hagiographies and images of saints. In its sanctuary, water flowed from an aqueduct located at a higher point than the small church. In fact, the inhabitants believed that this water was holy and healing. The great Greek prose writer Alexandros Papadiamantis made a special mention of the "Trypia Church" and its miraculous water in his short story "The Miracle of Kaisariani". However, few Athenians know of its existence, despite the fact that it is a jewel that cannot be found anywhere else in Athens. Like something out of a medieval fairy tale, the Chapel of the Assumption is always open to welcome its visitors, be they human beings or small animals that shelter there during the winter season.