Apostle Paul Footsteps E-Bike Tour Athens with Candle Lighting

The Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary—often simply called the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli)—is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral of Athens and one of the city’s most important religious landmarks.

Key facts
Location: Mitropoleos Street, central Athens (near Syntagma & Monastiraki)
Built: 1842–1862, during the reign of King Otto
Role: Seat of the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece
Style: Blend of Neo-Byzantine and neoclassical architecture
✨ Why it matters
It is the spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Church in Greece

Houses relics of important saints such as St. Philothea of Athens and Patriarch Gregory V
️ Architecture & interior
Exterior: Grand façade with twin towers and mosaic decoration
Interior:
Rich iconography, chandeliers, and gold accents
Intricate woodwork and religious paintings
Atmosphere: Calm, dimly lit, and deeply spiritual—many visitors describe it as peaceful despite the busy city outside

The Church of St. Mary Pantanassa (Greek: Panagia Pantanassa, meaning “All-Holy Queen”) is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in central Athens, located right in the lively Monastiraki Square.

Location & identity
Situated in Monastiraki Square, opposite the metro station
Surrounded by shops, markets, and ancient ruins
Despite its importance, it’s easy to miss because of the busy surroundings
️ History
Originally built between the 7th–10th century (most likely 10th century)
Was the main church (katholikon) of a large monastery known as the “Great Monastery”
The name “Monastiraki” (“little monastery”) for the entire area comes from this church
The present structure includes later additions from the Ottoman and post-Byzantine periods
Architectural features
Type: Byzantine three-aisled basilica with vaulted structure
Built with irregular stones, giving it a slightly asymmetrical look

The “Little Metropolis” is the nickname of the Church of St. Eleftherios, a tiny but extraordinary Byzantine church right beside the grand Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

Location
Right next to the main cathedral on Mitropoleos Street
In the historic center of Athens
Easy to visit while exploring Syntagma, Plaka, or Monastiraki
️ History
Built in the 12th century during the Byzantine period
Dedicated to:
Saint Eleftherios (protector of pregnant women)
Also known as Panagia Gorgoepikoos (“She who answers prayers quickly”)
Constructed using spolia—materials reused from:
Ancient Greek temples
Early Christian monuments

Biblical significance

Mars Hill is famous in Christianity because of Paul the Apostle:

He delivered a sermon here around 51 AD
Known as the “Sermon on the Areopagus”
Addressed the Athenians about the “Unknown God”

There’s a bronze plaque on the rock today with part of his speech (in Greek).

What to expect today
A bare marble rock hill you can freely climb
No entrance fee
Popular for:
Sunset views
Photography
Relaxing with a panoramic city backdrop
Views from the top

From Mars Hill, you get stunning vistas of:

The Parthenon atop the Acropolis
The Ancient Agora
The sprawling city of Athens
Distant mountains and the sea on clear days

Philopappos Hill—also called Filopappou Hill or the Hill of the Muses—is one of the best places in Athens for a scenic walk and panoramic views, just southwest of the Acropolis.

Location & layout
Directly opposite the Acropolis of Athens
Connected with:
Hill of the Nymphs
Areopagus (Mars Hill)

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of public life in ancient Athens—a place where democracy, philosophy, commerce, and daily life all came together.
Socrates – taught and debated here
Plato – frequented the area
Aristotle – part of the intellectual tradition
Paul the Apostle – preached here before going to the Areopagus
What it feels like today
A large green archaeological park
Much quieter than the Acropolis
Ideal for:
Walking
Photography
Imagining daily life in ancient Athens