The Metamorphosis, Sotira Kottaki Church

Commonly known as the Metamorphosis, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is located on Kydathineon Street in Plaka, the old Alikokou neighbourhood of Athens. The church is also called Sotira tou Kottaki, after the Athenian family who once owned it.

Dating to the early 11th century, this four-aisled, cross-in-square Byzantine church has undergone many aesthetically questionable renovations over the years, greatly detracting from its Byzantine appearance.

Originally dedicated to Virgin Mary the Saviour, it functioned as a Russian church from 1847 until 1855. While frescoes from the 18th century can still be seen in the church, its invaluable Byzantine-era frescoes have been lost.

The church still possesses some truly remarkable icons, such as a Virgin Mary dating from the 14th century and other rare religious artefacts.

Image source: https://religiousgreece.gr/en/attractions/church-metamorphosis-sotiros-sotera-kottakis

Information
Address: Kydathineon, Plaka
Area: Athens

Transportation: Metro Red Line (2): Acropoli Station

More Churches & Monasteries

Pantanassa Monastiraki temple

Pantanassa

Athens

Located on Monastiraki Square, the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, or Pantanassa, was once called the Great Monastery, and today is known commonly as Monastiraki....

Dafni Monastery Chaidari Dafnaios

Dafni Monastery

Chaidari, West Suburbs

The Dafni Monastery is rumoured to have been built at the site of the ancient temple of Apollo Dafnaios....

Kapnikarea church Athens landmark

Kapnikarea

Athens

Kapnikarea Church stands out as a major landmark in Athens’ Byzantine past....

Panagitsa Church Aegina

Panagitsa Church

Aegina

Visible from the coast of Aegina, the magnificent church of Panagitsa is located just outside Aegina’s marina....