Two synagogues, both located on Melidoni Street in Thission, serve the needs of Athens’ thriving Jewish community. The older and smaller of the two is the Romaniote Synagogue at 8 Melidoni Street. Built in 1904, this synagogue operates primarily on major Jewish holidays. Although its official name is Etz Hayyim (tree of life), elders refer to it as the Ioannina Synagogue. Its ground floor houses a school and administrative offices.
The second synagogue, the Sephardic Synagogue at 5 Melidoni Street, was built in 1935 and fully renovated in the 1970s. Officially named Beth Shalom (house of peace), this synagogue supports daily services for the Jewish community. While its Pentelic marble exteriors are neoclassical, its modern interiors do not resemble other, more traditional synagogues. Remnants of the ancient Jewish Synagogue of Athens can be found at the archaeological site of the Ancient Agora.
More Churches & Monasteries
Dafni Monastery
Chaidari, West SuburbsThe Dafni Monastery is rumoured to have been built at the site of the ancient temple of Apollo Dafnaios....
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....
Our Lady Chrysokastriotissa
AthensBuilt in the 12th century, this vaulted basilica was nearly destroyed during the Revolution of 1821....
St Zonis and St. Spyridon Church
AthensDedicated to two martyrs, this small church is believed to have been built in the 17th century....
Agia Aikaterini
AthensLocated in Plaka, the church of St. Aikaterini was built in the mid-11th century....
St. Nicholas the Sailor
AeginaFittingly, visitors catch their first glimpse of this beautiful white church dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Sailor while approaching the port of Aegina by boat....