Holy Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa (the Dormition of the Virgin Mary)

Right in the center of Athens’ historic shopping district, on Aeolou Street, you’ll find the Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa, one of the city’s most renowned churches. It’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Assumption, and its name comes from either the financial contributions made by the Great Cave Monastery during its construction or the Virgin Mary icon housed there, which was a replica of the monastery’s own icon.

The first church on the site, built in the basilica style in 1705, was destroyed during the siege of the Acropolis by Kiutachi in 1826. Construction on a new church began in 1832, but it turned out too small for the neighborhood’s needs. In 1846, the residents, wanting a bigger church, bought up the surrounding plots of land and started fundraising efforts to cover the necessary costs.

The famous architect Dimitrios Zezos, considered the pioneer of the “Greek-Byzantine” architectural style, drew up the plans for the church. The foundation was laid in 1863, and construction was completed several years later in 1892. The lengthy construction time stemmed from the enormous costs for that era, which were primarily covered by donations from the faithful. Since Zezos passed away before construction began, the project was overseen by two other prominent architects: first Panagis Kalkos, and then Ernst Ziller, who likely also designed the iconostasis. The dome, meanwhile, is the work of architect Dimitrios Soutsos, who also served as mayor of Athens.

The church is a three-aisled basilica with two elaborate marble octagonal bell towers on the narthex. It is a characteristic example of the eclectic style that prevailed in the 19th century and combines neoclassical and Byzantine elements. The carefully crafted brick-enclosed masonry and the two-lobed windows are combined with acroteria and marble decorations. The interior decoration of the church was completed in 1892 and is the work of important artists of the time. The church celebrates on August 15.