This single-aisle, domed basilica perched atop Lycabettus Hill was built in the late 18th century. Earlier, during the period of foreign occupation, another Christian church occupied the site. In ancient times, there was an altar to Zeus Akraios at the top of the hill.
Based on pictures drawn by travellers of that time, researchers believe that the chapel of the Prophet Elias was located here before falling into disrepair before St. George was built. The church’s tall belfry was a gift from Queen Olga to the Athenian people in the late 19th century.
Inscriptions at the church indicate that there was once a small cemetery at the site. Today, there are two chapels lying adjacent to St. George, one dedicated to the Prophet Elias, the other to St. Constantine, both built around 1885.
More Churches & Monasteries
Agia Aikaterini
AthensLocated in Plaka, the church of St. Aikaterini was built in the mid-11th century....
Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery
North Suburbs, PapagouThe Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery lies on the western slope of Mount Hymettus, just above the Papagos cemetery....
The Crypt of St. Philothei
North SuburbsDiscovered accidentally in 1934 during quarrying, the Crypt of Agia Philothei is a small natural cave, converted into a chapel by Rigoula Venizelou....
Asteriou Monastery
AthensAbove the Kessariani Monastery is another convent, the Monastery of the Taxiarchs, popularly known as the Asteriou Monastery....
Panagia Faneromeni Monastery
SalaminaThe Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, named for its location in a pine grove in Faneromeni, stands opposite the narrowest point of the Megarida Gulf....
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....