Built in the 11th century, the church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas in Plaka is based on the simple four-aisled, cross-in-square design. The church is topped with a small octagonal dome of the Athenian era and originally belonged to a Byzantine family named Ragavis. The church suffered neglect during the Revolution of 1821, but was eventually rebuilt using its original materials.
The church later underwent modifications that significantly altered its appearance, but during the 1970s it was partially restored to its original condition. Tradition has it that this church’s bell was the first to ring out following the liberation of Athens from German occupation on 12 October, 1944.
Image source: https://religiousgreece.gr/en/attractions/church-agios-nikolaos-rangavas
More Churches & Monasteries
The St. Dionysius Metropolitan Church
Kythera & AntikytheraThe St. Dionysius Metropolitan Church was constructed in the early 19th century with funding from the Holy Monastery of Chryssoleontissa....
St. Marina Church (Thission)
AthensConstructed between 1924 and 1927 on Observatory Hill in Thission, the Holy Church of Agia Marina was based on plans by Achilles Georgiadis....
Agioi Isidoroi
AthensThe church of Agioi Isidoroi is an old, single-aisle basilica with a wooden roof....
Alimos Basilica
Alimos, South SuburbsThis sixth-century Christian basilica sits inside the grounds of the Zoodochos Pigi church....
St. Nikolas 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....
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....