Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, also known as the Metropolitan Church of Athens, the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation, and more popularly known as the Metropolis, is the cathedral church of the Archbishopric of Athens and Greece.

Situated in the extremely popular Metropolis Square in the centre of Athens, and with a view of the Acropolis, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is perhaps the most visited of all the churches in the city, and certainly one of the most photographed.

Construction began on Christmas Day 1842, laying the cornerstone by the then King and Queen of Greece. Marble from 72 demolished churches was used to create the walls. On May 21st, 1862, the completed cathedral was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The cathedral is 130 feet (40m) long, 65 feet (20 m) wide, and 80 feet (24m) high.

Inside are the tombs of two saints killed by the Ottoman Turks during the Ottoman period: Saint Philothei and Patriarch Gregory V:

• Saint Philothei built a convent, was martyred in 1589, and her bones are still visible in a silver reliquary. 
• Gregory V was hanged by order of Sultan Mahmud II and his body was thrown into the Bosphorus in 1821 in retaliation for the Greek uprising on March 25th, leading to the Greek War of Independence. His body was rescued by Greek sailors and eventually enshrined in Athens.

In the Square in front of the cathedral stand two statues. The first is Constantine XI, the last emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. The second is a statue of Archbishop Damaskinos, who was Archbishop of Athens during World War II.

Since its opening, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens has hosted many significant ceremonies, from royal weddings to funerals of important political and social figures.

The tombs of two saints killed by the Ottoman Turks during the Ottoman period: Saint Philothei and Patriarch Gregory V.

The 12 marble columns that support the roof.

The mosaics, marble and bronze sculptures, and murals.

The most famous feature of the cathedral is the mosaic of the Annunciation, which is located on the eastern wall of the central nave.

The cathedral also has a treasury that houses a collection of ecclesiastical items, including vestments, books, icons, and silverware.

The tombs of two saints killed by the Ottoman Turks during the Ottoman period: Saint Philothei and Patriarch Gregory V.

The 12 marble columns that support the roof.

The mosaics, marble and bronze sculptures, and murals.

The most famous feature of the cathedral is the mosaic of the Annunciation, which is located on the eastern wall of the central nave.

Winter Season – November 1st to March 31st

Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 20:00

Mass is held in the cathedral every Sunday at 10:00

Summer Season – April 1st to October 31st

Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 20:00

Mass is held in the cathedral every Sunday at 10:00

There is a ramp at the front entrance which leads into the cathedral.