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
Agios Georgios Karytsis
AthensOwned by the Athenian Kariki family since the Middle Ages, Agios Georgios Karytsis was nearly destroyed during the Revolution of 1821....
Agia Aikaterini
AthensLocated in Plaka, the church of St. Aikaterini was built in the mid-11th century....
Panagia Grigoroussa
AthensBuilt sometime in the 11th or 12th century, the original structure of this church was almost entirely destroyed during the Revolution of 1821....
St. Fotini
AthensBuilt in 1872 near the banks of the Ilyssos River, the church of St. Fotini served the local parish....
Panagitsa Church
AeginaVisible from the coast of Aegina, the magnificent church of Panagitsa is located just outside Aegina’s marina....
Saint Paul’s Anglican Church
AthensLocated at the end of Filellinon Street, this neo-Gothic Anglican church was built in the early 1840s of Hymettus marble and limestone brought in from the Corinth Canal....