Church of Hagia Dynamis

The Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is located in the heart of Athens, on the corner of Peiraios and Aiolou streets, about two minutes walk from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, the Little Metropolis, and the famous Church of Panagia Kapnikarea near the famous Monastiraki Flea Market. Also known as the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis (Sacred Power) or Church of Hagia Dynami, it is an ancient church dating back to the Byzantine era, with some parts of the church believed to have been built in the 11th century. But this church is unique and worth visiting because of its intriguing history.

In the 1830s, after the Greek War of Independence, the surrounding buildings around the church were demolished to widen the street to serve the city’s growing needs. During the 1950s, the area was again redeveloped, and the Greek government attempted to obtain the land the church was on to build the new headquarters for the Ministry of Education and Religion. However, the Greek Orthodox Church refused to give up the land and the church, so it was decided to build around it. In the end, this small single-aisle church found itself almost entirely nestled between large and tall buildings.

But wait, it gets even more interesting. Excavations came across a 50-foot tunnel beginning under the church connecting it to an extensive cave system that reaches the Acropolis and the Kaisariani Monastery on the north side of Mount Hymettus. This tunnel has a rich history, believed to have been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Unfortunately, in 1963, a steeple was built over the entrance to the tunnel, prohibiting future access. But just standing there and imagining what could be on the other side is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Now, let’s talk about the church’s name, Hagia Dynamis, which means “Holy Power” in Greek. Legend has it that the name came from an incident in which a group of soldiers were fighting in the area when they saw a bright light coming from the church. They sought refuge in the church, and the light disappeared. After that, the soldiers won the battle, and the church became known as “Hagia Dynamis” or “Holy Power.” Whether you believe in legends or not, you can’t deny the power that this church holds.

One of the most fascinating things about the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is its architecture. The church is Byzantine, with a dome on the top added in the 19th century. The church’s interior is simple, with a beautiful wooden iconostasis and some frescoes. But what makes it unique is the combination of Byzantine architecture with the surrounding modern buildings. The contrast between the old and the new is striking and awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is not only an opportunity to admire its architecture and learn about its rich history but also a chance to experience the spiritual aspect of Athens. The church is still in use today, and you might be lucky enough to attend a service while you’re there. It’s an excellent opportunity to witness the Greek Orthodox Church’s religious practices and immerse yourself in the local culture.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Athens, the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is worth visiting. It’s an opportunity to witness the city’s rich history, the combination of old and new architecture, and experience the spiritual side of Athens. And even if you’re not religious, the church’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture are enough to captivate anyone.

When visiting the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis, make sure to dress appropriately, as it is an active religious site. Also, remember that it is a small church, so be respectful of the space and the people who might be there for worship.

Finally, it’s important to note that the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is not as well-known as some of the other attractions in Athens, which means that it’s usually not crowded. This makes it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a moment to reflect.

The Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis may be a small church, but it has plenty of interesting features to explore. Here are some of the top things to see when you visit:

The Byzantine architecture

The Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture, with its simple but elegant design. The church’s exterior is made of stone and brick, and it has a dome on the top, added in the 19th century. The contrast between the church’s ancient design and the surrounding modern buildings is breathtaking.

The wooden iconostasis:

Inside the church, you will find a beautiful wooden iconostasis (screen covered in icons) that separates the altar from the main body of the church. The iconostasis is adorned with intricate carvings and painted icons representing various saints and religious scenes.

The frescoes

The Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis has some lovely frescoes worth seeing. The frescoes are located on the walls and the ceiling of the church, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.

The tunnel entrance

As I mentioned earlier, there is an entrance to a tunnel system that begins under the church, connecting it to the Acropolis and the Kaisariani Monastery on the north side of Mount Hymettus. Although the entrance is now covered by a steeple, it’s still fascinating to see and imagine what might be on the other side.

The peaceful atmosphere

One of the best things about the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is the peaceful atmosphere inside. Whether you’re religious or not, you can’t help but feel a sense of calm and tranquillity when you step inside the church. Take a moment to sit, reflect, and soak in the serene atmosphere.

I wrote a blog post called Beware of Taking Photographs Inside Churches in Greece, explaining why photos in Greek Orthodox Churches are often frowned upon and not allowed. But the good news is that in the post, I provide you with some simple rules to follow, which will increase your chances of getting permission to take photos and stand a good chance of the priest pointing out the best places to take them.

The exterior

The church’s exterior is an excellent place to take photos and videos, especially if you want to capture the contrast between the ancient church and the surrounding modern buildings. Try taking pictures from different angles to get the best shot.

The wooden iconostasis

The wooden iconostasis is a beautiful work of art and makes for a great photo backdrop. Make sure to respect the space and avoid using flash, as it could damage the frescoes.

The frescoes

The church’s frescoes are a lovely sight to behold; you can take some stunning photos and videos of them. Make sure to use natural lighting, as the church’s lighting is quite dim.

The tunnel entrance

Although the entrance to the tunnel system is covered, it still makes for an intriguing photo opportunity. Get creative with your shots and try to capture the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the tunnel.

Here are my top tips to keep in mind when visiting the Church of Hagia Dynamis:

1. Dress appropriately: The Church of Hagia Dynamis is an active religious site, so it’s essential to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. It’s also a good idea to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your head if you’re a woman.
2. Be respectful: The church is a place of worship, so it’s crucial to be respectful of the space and the people who may be there for prayer. Avoid using flash photography, talking loudly, or behaving in a disruptive manner.
3. Follow the rules: There are some rules to follow when visiting the church, such as not touching the frescoes or the wooden iconostasis. Make sure to read and follow the signs posted around the church.
4. Take your time: The Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis is a small and cozy church, so take your time to explore and soak in the atmosphere. Sit down and reflect, or take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the church’s architecture.
5. Consider visiting during a service: If you’re interested in experiencing the Greek Orthodox Church’s religious practices, consider attending a service at the Holy Church of Hagia Dynamis. Check the church’s schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Overall, visiting the Church of Hagia Dynamis is a unique and unforgettable experience. By being respectful and following the rules, you can fully appreciate the church’s history, architecture, and spiritual significance.