Metropolitan Cathedral, Athens
Popularly known as the "Metropolis", the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is a prominent city landmark. In place since the mid-19th century, it has hosted numerous ceremonial events of national importance, such as coronations and royal weddings as well as funerals of notable individuals.
Construction on the Metropolis began on Christmas Day of 1842. To erect the colossal walls, marble from 72 dismantled churches across the country had been gathered. After 20 years of work led by three architects, the church was completed and consecrated in the name of the Annunciation of the Virgin. Measuring 40 meters (130 feet) in length, 20 meters (65 feet) in width, and 24 meters (80 feet) in height, this cathedral is the largest religious building in Athens.
In keeping with the Greek Orthodox faith, the interior is lavishly adorned with icons, detailed murals, and other intricate decorations.
Inside the temple are the tombs of two saints 鈥� Saint Philoth茅i and Patriarch Gregory V 鈥� martyred by the Ottoman Turks during their rule. Saint Philoth茅i, who died in 1589, is interred in a silver reliquary. Her benevolent deeds included the ransom of Greek women held captive in Turkish harems. As for Patriarch Gregory V, he served as the Patriarch of Constantinople and was executed in 1821. Greek sailors rescued his body from the Bosphorus and took it to Odessa, Russia. Half a century later, it was brought back to Athens.
In the out front square, two statues commemorate the last Byzantine Emperor, who perished defending Constantinople against the Turks in 1453, and the Archbishop of Athens, who played a crucial role in safeguarding Athens' Jewish community from Nazi persecution during World War II. The square itself provides a tranquil alternative to the outside bustle, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a drink at one of the local cafes.
Construction on the Metropolis began on Christmas Day of 1842. To erect the colossal walls, marble from 72 dismantled churches across the country had been gathered. After 20 years of work led by three architects, the church was completed and consecrated in the name of the Annunciation of the Virgin. Measuring 40 meters (130 feet) in length, 20 meters (65 feet) in width, and 24 meters (80 feet) in height, this cathedral is the largest religious building in Athens.
In keeping with the Greek Orthodox faith, the interior is lavishly adorned with icons, detailed murals, and other intricate decorations.
Inside the temple are the tombs of two saints 鈥� Saint Philoth茅i and Patriarch Gregory V 鈥� martyred by the Ottoman Turks during their rule. Saint Philoth茅i, who died in 1589, is interred in a silver reliquary. Her benevolent deeds included the ransom of Greek women held captive in Turkish harems. As for Patriarch Gregory V, he served as the Patriarch of Constantinople and was executed in 1821. Greek sailors rescued his body from the Bosphorus and took it to Odessa, Russia. Half a century later, it was brought back to Athens.
In the out front square, two statues commemorate the last Byzantine Emperor, who perished defending Constantinople against the Turks in 1453, and the Archbishop of Athens, who played a crucial role in safeguarding Athens' Jewish community from Nazi persecution during World War II. The square itself provides a tranquil alternative to the outside bustle, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a drink at one of the local cafes.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Metropolitan Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Metropolitan Cathedral
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...
15 Best Cafes in Athens
While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local cafe culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from "kafenia", to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek...
Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens
A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...