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. This 10th-century arched basilica was first mentioned in a 17th-century document when the church was managed as part of the Kaisariani Monastery.
Following Turkish occupation, the monastery adopted the name Mikromonastiro, which was later changed to Monastiraki (the little monastery). The monastery’s priories and market were located in what is still a shopping area today.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the monastery underwent extensive renovations, including the addition of a stone belfry. The main yard was also demolished to create a new, modern square.
In the late 20th century, another renovation almost fully restored the church to its original form, while maintaining the belfry.
More Churches & Monasteries
Agioi Theodoroi
AthensConsidered one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Athens, the church of Agioi Theodoroi is located on Evripidou Street in Klafthmonos Square....
Agios Georgios Karytsis
AthensOwned by the Athenian Kariki family since the Middle Ages, Agios Georgios Karytsis was nearly destroyed during the Revolution of 1821....
The Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre
AthensThe 17th-century church of Agioi Anargyroi originally opened as a convent, believed to have been owned by the prominent Kolokinthi family....
Athens Metropolitan Cathedral
AthensThis landmark has hosted many significant ceremonies, from royal weddings to funerals of important political and social figures....
Agios Nikolaos Lemonion Monastery
SalaminaBuilt on the pine-covered slopes of Mount Stavros in Salamina, the Monastery of St. Nikolaos Lemonion stands next to a small, 10th-century church...
Glyfada Basilica
Glyfada, South SuburbsThis fifth-century Christian church, though in need of repair, stands proudly on Poseidonos Avenue near Glyfada Square....