The Byzantine Iconography across the millennia

Athens is rich in Byzantine monuments and churches. Byzantine iconography spans across the icons, murals, mosaics and elements laying in manuscripts and books. Being an art depicting sacred and religious subjects to connecting human beings with the spiritual world, it is considered as natural evolution of Fayum portraits from Roman Egypt, painted by Greek painters in the late Hellenistic period. Aboard this iconic journey, you have the opportunity to become acquainted with 4 significant Byzantine churches of Athens from the perspective of the murals and icons, and see the reason why they are leading examples for the time they were made.

Detailed Itinerary

  • 09:00am your journey to the Byzantine Iconography starts at the entrance of Acropolis Museum, where your guide will be waiting for you.
  • You first visit Panagia Spiliotissa (Madonna of the cave) that is part of a cave located at the foot of the Acropolis. Built onto the ruins of an ancient temple of Dionysus (320 BC), it remains unknown when the church was offered to Virgin Mary despite the fact that during early Christian years Acropolis’ area had developed into an important religious center.
  • Then in Plaka you see the church of Nicholas Ragava that was built in late Byzantine era (11th century AD), being initially for private use of the famous Ragava family. That family promoted Michel A’ as emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Over centuries, church’s original iconography was destroyed; while the existing one made in late 19th-early 20th AD centuries.
  • Next, close to the Cathedral of Athens, you visit the small church of St. Eleftherios (12th AD) that in 19th century served as seat of the Archbishop of Athens. The church built onto the ruins of an ancient temple, while its walls are entirely made of marble stones and reliefs collected from ancient Greek, Roman and early Byzantine monuments.
  • You last see the church of Kapnikarea (11th AD) dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. In 1834 the church was about to be demolished, but finally saved after intervention of King Louis of Bavaria. Nowadays, following church’s extensive restoration, visitors enjoy wonderful murals’ paintings delivered by the famous byzantine painter F.Kontoglou.

Photo Gallery

What's Included

  • In-depth guided visits as per detailed itinerary
  • Geo Routes tour guide
  • Geo Routes material
  • VAT
  • *** excluded: personal expenses, tips, gratuities, anything not explicitly stated above

Duration

3 hours cultural-religious walking tour
(Tour code: GR017)

Departures

- Daily on request (except Sundays)
- Βookings close 72 hours prior to departure
- Program does not operate on 6 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter, 28 October, Christmas & New Year periods

Departure Points

  • Acropolis Museum main entrance, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, 117 42

Highlights

  • Panagia Spyliotissa church
  • St. Nikolas Ragavas church
  • St. Eleftherios church
  • Kapnikarea church
  • Plaka area

Geo-keys

Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage
History – Archaeology
History – Archaeology
Places of Religious Interest
Places of Religious Interest
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Tour Pricing

Private Tour 2 pax: 199€ pp
Private Tour 4 pax: 119€ pp
Private Tour 6 pax: 89€ pp
Group Tour: from 59€ pp
Child reduction 2-12 Y.O (in a triple room with 2 adults): 10€ pp

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