Owned by the Athenian Kariki family since the Middle Ages, Agios Georgios Karytsis was nearly destroyed during the Revolution of 1821.
Following the upheaval, parishioners recruited renowned architect Lysander Kaftantzoglou to restore the church. Their only demand was that he maintain the original Byzantine appearance, and limit the number of western influences. Kaftantzoglou worked wonders on the domed basilica, creating a central gate with a marble pillar, which contrasted vividly with the white belfry.
In 1849, a section of the church’s dome collapsed, requiring the addition of special struts to support the walls.
More Churches & Monasteries
St Zonis and St. Spyridon Church
AthensDedicated to two martyrs, this small church is believed to have been built in the 17th century....
Alimos Basilica
Alimos, South SuburbsThis sixth-century Christian basilica sits inside the grounds of the Zoodochos Pigi church....
Agios Elissaios
Athens, MonastirakiThis simple, single-aisle basilica on 14 Areos Street in Monastiraki was built in the mid-17th century on the gardens of a mansion owned by the Athenian Homatianos-Logothetis family....
Russian Church
AthensKnown to Athenians as the Russian Church, the Holy Church of Lykodemos Sotira is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Athens, and also the largest....
Agioi Isidoroi
AthensThe church of Agioi Isidoroi is an old, single-aisle basilica with a wooden roof....
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....