Constructed between 1924 and 1927 on Observatory Hill in Thission, the church of Agia Marina was based on plans by Achilles Georgiadis and its frescoes were painted by hagiographers Grekos and Soutsos. Interestingly, incorporated into the present-day structure is a natural 13th-century cave church, operating as a baptistery.
Portions of frescos from the older, post-Byzantine church are displayed in the contemporary church, along with a few icons dating from the 13th to 18th centuries. The altar of the ancient church has also been preserved. An icon of Saint Marina was supposedly discovered at the site where the church was built and, according to archaeologist Travlos, the church formerly housed a water reservoir.
More Churches & Monasteries
Russian Church
AthensKnown to Athenians as the Russian Church, the Holy Church of Lykodemos Sotira is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Athens, and also the largest....
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....
Agios Ioannis Kynigos Monastery
Agia Paraskevi, North SuburbsThe Agios Ioannis Kynigos (St. John the Hunter) Monastery is located on the northern side of Mount Hymettus, above the suburb of Agia Paraskevi....
Melidoni Street Synagogues
AthensTwo synagogues, both located on Melidoni Street in Thission, serve the needs of Athens’ thriving Jewish community....
Our Lady Chrysopolitissa
AthensThe Church of Our Lady Chrysopolitissa on Eolou Street is one of Athens’ most historically relevant churches....
Penteli Monastery
North Suburbs, PenteliFounded in 1578 by bishop Evripos Timotheos, a local saint of Attica, the all-male Penteli Monastery was built amid the lush greenery at the foot of Mount Penteli....