Αt the crossroads of religions (Eleusis, Daphni Monastery)
Thanks to the spirit and nature of the ancient Greek religion, Greece was often crossroads of cultures and religions. In two sites of vast cultural, spiritual and religious importance, Eleusis and Daphni Monastery, you become acquainted with the transition from the ancient Greek religion to Christianity. The Sanctuary of Eleusis was considered one of the most important spiritual centers in the ancient world, which the mysteries in honor of the Olympian Goddess Demeter, were mostly focus on the comprehension of death and afterlife. The impressive architecture and rich mosaic decoration of the Monastery of Daphni (UNESCO 1990), consists fine example of Mid-Byzantine period classical idealism and portrays how Christianity had been spread in the city of Athens.
Detailed Itinerary
- 09:00am departure to Eleusis that for 2000 years (1600 B.C-400 A.D) was considered to be along with Athens, Olympia, Delphi and Delos, among Ancient Greece’s most-sacred cities.
- In Eleusis archeological site you see the Roman Courtyard, the Cistern, the Small Propylaea, the Plutonion, the Voulefterion, the Telesterion and the Sanctuary of Demeter.
- You also listen about the Eleusinian mysteries, dedicated to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone, used to be the “most famous of the secret religious rites in ancient Greece”. The rites, ceremonies, and beliefs were kept secret and consistently preserved from antiquity. For the initiated, the rebirth of Persephone symbolized the eternity of life which flows from generation to generation, and they believed that they would have a reward in the afterlife
- You next visit the Monastery of Daphni, located almost half-way along the ancient Sacred Road from Athens to Eleusis. The first monastery was erected on the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo in the 6th century A.D., and was enclosed by strong defensive walls; but fell into decline when Greece was severely damaged following invasions of barbarians in the 9th & 10th A.D. Then, in the 11th A.D, the Monastery was restored and a new octagonal church, a refectory and a chapel for the cemetery were built. Daphni Monastery is designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant historical and architectural value, also masterpiece of middle Byzantine architecture, and especially for its sumptuous interior gold mosaics.
- This iconic journey will be concluded in Athens around 13h00.
Photo Gallery
What's Included
- Transportation and in-depth visits as per detailed itinerary
- Admission fees as per programme
- Geo Routes tour guide
- Geo Routes material
- VAT
- *** excluded: personal expenses, tips, gratuities, anything not explicitly stated above
Duration
4 hours cultural-religious tour
(Tour code: GR018)
Departures
- Wednesdays and Sundays upon request
- Βookings close 7 day prior to departure
- Program does not operate on 6 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter, 28 October, Christmas & New Year periods
UNESCO Sites
- Daphni Monastery (1990)
Departure Points
- On request
Highlights
- Archaeological site of Eleusis
- Daphni Monastery
Geo-keys
Tour Pricing
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