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
More Churches & Monasteries
St. Nektarios Monastery
AeginaDuring the first decade of the 20th Century, Nektarios, bishop of Pentapolis, came to Aegina to become a monk....
Alimos Basilica
Alimos, South SuburbsThis sixth-century Christian basilica sits inside the grounds of the Zoodochos Pigi church....
Petraki Monastery
North Suburbs, PenteliThe church of the Saints Asomatoi, is located near the Evangelismos Hospital, within the complex housing the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece....
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....
Athens Metropolitan Cathedral
AthensThis landmark has hosted many significant ceremonies, from royal weddings to funerals of important political and social figures....
Panagitsa Church
AeginaVisible from the coast of Aegina, the magnificent church of Panagitsa is located just outside Aegina’s marina....