Mitrópoli (Cathedral), Athens
The Mitrópoli from the Acropolis. Photo © Peter Brubacher.
Facade of the Mitrópoli during restorations. Photo © Peter Brubacher.
An Orthodox monk enters the cathedral. Photo
Pierre Metivier.
Colorful ceiling of the Mitrópoli. Photo
Pierre Metivier.
Interior of the Mitrópoli. Photo
Guillermo González Díez.
Location map and aerial view of Mitrópoli (Cathedral). For a larger interactive view, see our Athens Map.
The Mitrópoli (Metropolitan Cathedral) is an important Greek Orthodox cathedral and the largest church in Athens.
History
When Athens became the capital of Greece in 1834, a cathedral was needed here. Construction on the Mitrópoli began on Christmas Day in 1842 with the laying of the cornerstone by King Otto and Queen Amalia. Workers used marble from no less than 72 demolished churches to build the Mitrópoli's immense walls.
Three architects and 20 years later, it was complete. The king and queen were present at the dedication on May 21, 1862 in honor of the Evangelismós Theotókou (Annunciation of the Virgin).
The Mitrópoli is the seat of the Bishop of Athens and an important spiritual center of Greek Orthodoxy. It remains a major city landmark and the site of official ceremonies like coronations and important weddings and funerals.
What to See
The Mitropoli has three aisles, a dome over the crossing, and twin west towers; it measures 130 feet long, 65 feet wide, and 80 feet high. Its 19th-century architecture is not generally admired, especially in comparison to the charming Mikri Mitropoli next door.
Inside are colorful Byzantine-style frescoes, gleaming treasures, and the tombs of two saints killed by Ottoman Turks: Agía Filothéi and Patriarch Gregory V.
Agía Filothéi died in 1589; her bones are visible in a silver reliquary. She is honored for ransoming Greek women who had been enslaved in Turkish harems. Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople, was hanged and thrown into the Bosphorus in 1821. His body was rescued by Greek sailors and eventually returned to Athens.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Mitrópoli (Cathedral); Mitrópoli; Megali Mitrópoli; Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens; Athens Cathedral |
| Dedicated to: | Virgin Mary (Annunciation) |
| Location: | Athens, Attica, Greece |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Greek Orthodox |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1842-62 |
| Architecture: | Neo-Byzantine |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 37.975259° N, 23.730088° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Plateía Mitropóleos, Pláka, Athens, Greece |
| Phone: | 210 322 1308 |
| Hours: | Daily 6:30am-7pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Public transport: | Metro: Monastiráki |
Travel Resources
- Athens Map - our detailed interactive map of Athens, plus hand-picked links to more
- Athens Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Athens
- Athens Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Athens Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Athens Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Athens Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Athens
- Athens Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Athens Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Athens tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Eyewitness Travel Guide to Greece: Athens and the Mainland
- The Cathedral of Athens - Athens Info Guide
- Metropolis Greek Orthodox Cathedral - WCities
Article last updated: 06/26/2009.
