Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

I visited the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation today and was truly impressed by its beauty and atmosphere. From the outside it looks grand and historic, but stepping inside is where it really shines. The interior is stunning, with beautiful icons, intricate details, and a peaceful, reverent ambience that makes you want to slow down and take everything in. Despite being right in the heart of Athens, the church feels calm and spiritual, offering a quiet moment away from the busy streets outside. It's not just a place of worship but also an important part of Greek history and Orthodox tradition. Whether you're religious or simply interested in culture, architecture, or history, this church is well worth a visit. A beautiful and meaningful stop in central Athens

This is the national cathedral for the country of Greece. The cathedral itself is imposing and beautiful. It dates from around 1860, after the Greek War of Independence. The decorations in the cathedral are ornate and beautifully wrought, and the architecture reflects the sacred feeling of hhe space. If you light a candle, please leave an offering (small payment). All of the photos in this review are from the museum downstairs. The entrance fee is 3€ and it is not always open. Many of the objects are donations from parishioners. The collection of embroidered vestments is truly inspiring. Every time I visit i am struck by the richness of materials used, from fabric to threads, and the extraordinary skill of the artists who created the objects. There are also mitres, staffs, necklaces and many gold, silver, and bejeweled pieces. Given the oppression and poverty the Greek people have suffered in the past 500 years, it is inspirational to see how important the orthodox faith is to them that they have created these items for the church. There are also some pieces from Russia. Inscriptions and descriptions of the objects are in Greek and English.

The Church stands out with its tall façade, elegant details, and wide steps leading up to the entrance. Even from the outside, it feels grand and important. The square around it is open and pleasant, with enough space to look at the church from different angles. It’s a solid, impressive landmark right in the center of Athens.

I recently visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, and while it wasn’t as massive or imposing as I expected for the capital city’s main Orthodox church, it still left a deep impression. The space is relatively small, but incredibly ornate. The decor is rich with gold accents, beautiful icons, detailed woodwork, and intricate chandeliers. Every inch feels intentional and full of reverence. The lighting inside is quite low, which creates a very somber and contemplative atmosphere. It encourages you to slow down and take it all in. One of the personnel inside the cathedral kindly informed me that there’s a museum downstairs, which I would’ve missed otherwise. I paid a small fee of €3 and was genuinely surprised by how impressive the collection was… small but impressive. There were historical garments, staffs, headpieces, chalices, furniture, and other ceremonial objects used throughout the history of the Greek Orthodox Church. Everything was beautifully preserved and presented with care. While belonging to a different Christian denomination, it gave me a much deeper appreciation of the church’s traditions and legacy. Here are a few helpful tips that might be helpful for anyone planning to visit: -Dress modestly, as this is an active place of worship -Bring a few euros in cash for the museum downstairs -Don’t miss the chance to light a candle and pause for a quiet moment regardless of your faith background -Visit during quieter times in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a more peaceful experience Even though this cathedral isn’t the most monumental or imposing structure in Athens, it has a quiet spiritual power and elegance that make it worth the visit. I’m really glad I made time for it. It’s a special place that offers both historical insight and a calming space for reflection.

Cathedral Mitropolis open daily except Monday. 11am - 6 pm. Considered the Greek Vatican, this is the best thing to see in Athens. Outside is a statute of archbishop damaskinos who spoke against the nazi treatment of Jews during WWII. He was mocked by Nazis and never lost his cool. Post war, he was the unofficial prime minister. His right hand forms the four letters I, C,X, C. This is short for Jesus Christ. His necklace is a double headed eagle which was representative of the eats and west Byzantine empire when Orthodoxy was the state religion. Behind the bishop is Constantine XI, the final Byzantine ruler before Constantinople fell and Muslims took control of Athens. Inside the cathedral, There are relics of Three saints who were martyred by Muslims. St Gregory V is near the right. He was martyred during the Greek War of Independence and his remains are in the marble tomb. Philothei the nun who freed Greek women from ottoman harems to the left. The relic from the chains of St. Paul were give to the church by pope Francis. Metropolitan cathedral of Athens Museum downstairs from the cathedral. open 11:00-18:00. Entry by donation, €3 per person.

The Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God is the main Orthodox church in Athens, located in the very center of the city. The cathedral is majestic in appearance, yet blends harmoniously with the surrounding historic buildings. Inside, it is quiet and peaceful: beautiful icons, carvings, and a sense of true comfort and reverence. This is not just a tourist attraction, but a living church where services are held. After visiting, you are left with a sense of peace and respect for history and faith.

This is the biggest tourist attraction on Tino's but also for Greeks who come from all around their country to pay respect to the Virgin Mary. Many dedicated people crawl on their hands and knees up the hill for many blocks to enter into the church. Try to avoid any masses of you want to enter easily. Tickets are not needed. There is also a holy water fountain and beautiful cave of worship below the church. This is actually a Catholic Church (fun fact) not Orthodox

Beautiful landmark right in the city center, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and lively streets. Inside feels bright, airy, and peaceful, filled with natural light despite the busy area outside. The square around it is lovely, with trees, shade, and a refreshing breeze, making it a nice spot to pause while sightseeing. A great way to experience an important part of Greek history and Orthodox tradition. Just a kind note, this is the main Greek Orthodox Cathedral, not a Catholic church. It’s wonderful to visit with respect, and for Catholic Mass, you can go to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, which is nearby.