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
Evangelical Church
AthensBuilt in 1871, the Evangelical Church of Athens is located opposite the Columns of Olympian Zeus at the intersection of Lyssikratous Street and Amalias Avenue....
Alimos Basilica
Alimos, South SuburbsThis sixth-century Christian basilica sits inside the grounds of the Zoodochos Pigi church....
Dafni Monastery
Chaidari, West SuburbsThe Dafni Monastery is rumoured to have been built at the site of the ancient temple of Apollo Dafnaios....
Pantanassa
AthensLocated 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....
Theotokos Kecharitomeni Monastery
PorosA short distance south-east of the village of Troezen lies the Theotokos Kecharitomene Monastery....
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....