Churches & Monasteries

Throughout history, Greeks have always been and always will be fascinated by religion – from traditional forms to paganism and superstition, from fanaticism to idolatry. Proof of that is the stunning number of public and private churches & monasteries built on Greek soil, many of which are in Athens & in Attica. Evolving from mythological gods to Christian monotheism, religion remains at the forefront of everyday life in Greece. During the 1st century AC, the era of Paul the Apostle, ancient Athenians began converting to Christianity. Places of worship for the new religion operated in secrecy until the Roman Empire officially recognized the religion in the 4th century. Many ancient temples were converted into Christian churches. New Christian basilicas were built beginning in the 5th century; remnants of these churches & monasteries can be found throughout Attica & Athens. Many of the prized churches and monasteries were built during the 11th and 12th centuries, the golden age of Byzantine art in Athens. In Attica the churches of Kapnikarea, Agioi Theodoroi, Agios Elefterios, Pantanassa, Agioi Assomatoi and Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, as well as the monasteries of Daphni, Kaessariani and Asteriou stand proud to this day.