RELIGIOUS TOURISM

Detail from a mosaic in Nea Moni. Chios

theotherfaceofgreece
Religious travelling is not something new. It has been and still remains the oldest and prevailing form of travelling in human History. In Greece, religious tourism stems from pilgrimage related activities, well rooted in past ages. From very ancient times, pilgrimage has been a strong incentive which made people travel towards religious sites all over Greece. Moreover, religion, as a cultural feature, is closely related to tourism, thus constituting a special tourist activity based on distinct cultural backgrounds and traditions. Since Antiquity until our days, the Greeks used to express their religiosity, their deep faith and their devotion to God which has remained the main characteristic of Orthodoxy for two thousand years. The foreigners, as well as the Greek visitors, are astonished by the thousands of Byzantine Temples, the innumerable chapels, the monastery dependencies, the convents, the monasteries, the holy pilgrimages and the innumerable religious sites that raise awe. In many regions Orthodoxy is associated with constructions and monuments of worship of various religions, which bring out the rare historical and cultural value of Greece. In Greece, the visitor, touring around for religious or sight-seeing reasons, can admire wonderful spots on the islands as well as on the mainland, in places of worship, such as monasteries and churches. Apart from the religious sites, every year, thousands of tourists visit the Byzantine and post Byzantine works of Art, the mosaics, the wall paintings and thousands of icons, which testify the devotion to the traditions and the abiding connection between the Art and the Religion. Some very important religious sites in Greece are the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain, the impressive monasteries of Meteora, Patmos, the island of Apocalypse of John the Apostle, the regions where Paul the Apostle travelled to during his journeys, the monastic center of Papikion mountain in Thrace (Rodopi), the unique pilgrimages in the Churches of Virgin Mary, such as Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Tinos, Panagia Soumela, Panagia Ekatontapyliani etc. The splendid Greek nature is intertwined with the blessing of God. y rock, every cobblestone pavement, every mountain and island is a path to the spiritual exaltation. The travel to the other side of Greece, which reflects the sense of religiosity during the centuries, is, basically, a trip through time. Explore it!

Church of Paraportiani. Mykonos

Church of Pantanassa. Mystras

A monk contemplating the immensity of creation

Monastery of Megisti Lavra

mountathos
Within the splendid Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain, man meets God. Time is no longer important. In the Eastern peninsula of Chalkidiki, in the so-called Garden of Virgin Mary, the spiritual heaven is identified to the indescribable natural beauty. For centuries the monks have led their monastic life in the twenty big monasteries, in the convents, in the retreats and in the hermitages. The Mount Athos (height 2.033 m.), in full blossom and imposing, emerges with dignity from the Northern Aegean Sea. The visitor has the unique chance to experience a different kind of life in the Monastic State of Mount Athos. The imposing historical Monasteries, the marvellous cells built in caves or pendulous over rocks, castles, cupolas and campaniles, have been standing on the edge of the mountains for more than a thousand years... The psalmodies reach the sky and transfer the visitors into another dimension! In this ark of Orthodoxy, everything follows a different rythm of life: the habits, the philosophy and the thoughts, the landscape, the nature, the calendar (the Julian one), the time (the Byzantine ceremonial is still followed), the terminology, the food, the greeting, even the animals! Wherever the visitor goes, he will be fascinated by the beauty of nature and the idyllic landscapes, which he can explore by following the mountain paths.

Monastery of Grigoriou

Megisti Lavra

Monastery of Saint Panteleimon

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

meteora
METEORA In the North-western side of Thessaly, in the province of Trikala, right in the heart of the Greek mainland, one can see the massive rocks of Meteora. Their magnificent beauty has been captivating the scientists interest for centuries and the site is ideal for asceticism and prayer for both monks and pilgrims. On the rocks of Meteora, which are made of mud, granite and firestone and have a geological history of 60 million years, has been developed one of the most significant movements of asceticism in the history of the Orthodox religion. The absolute silence, the overwhelming rocks, the crypts, the caves and the cavities inspire visitors with the sense of contact with God. In the early 11th century the first anachorites living in the caves in Meteora wanted to find a place to pray, to communicate with God and devote to him. In the 14th century, Athanassios the Meteorite founded the Great Meteoron. Since then, and for more than 600 years, hundreds of monks and thousands of believers have travelled to this holy site in order to pray. The monks faced enormous problems due to the 400 metre height of the Holy Rocks. They built aerial ladders and they used nets in order to secure the pas between the monasteries. Today the pilgrims use the 200 steps so as to climb to the 24 monasteries of The Meteora Rocks. They stand with respect and awe in front of this symbol of Christianity. UNESCO has included the Holy Rocks of Meteora on the lists of the World Heritage Sites.

Monastery of Agios Stefanos

A monk painting with devotion

Monastery of Varlaam

Archaeological site. Philippi

paultheapostle
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL THE APOSTLE Paul the Apostle, also known as the Apostle of Nations, is one of the greatest personalities in the history of Christianity as well as a very important teacher of the faith and the evolution of Theology. Saul, the exprosecutor of the first Christians, was the Apostle who travelled around the known world of that time so as to deliver the message of Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection. During his three journeys, he encountered huge difficulties: he was imprisoned and tortured, but he never abandon his mission. He preached in sixteen different regions in Greece. His Epistles to the Corinthians, the Philippians, the Thessalonians, the Ephesians and the Romans preserve his preaches. Paul begins his journey in 49 A.D. to Via Egnatia, a large road constructed by the Proconsul Gnaius Egnatius. Via Egnatia was linking Dyrrhachium, on the Adriatic Sea, with Byzantium and was the route that connected all the big cities of Macedonia. From Samothrace, Paul the Apostle went to Neapolis, in the region of Kavala, in the northern part of Greece. On Samothrace, one of the most beautiful and important islands in the northeast Aegean, have survived many Byzantine Temples and findings of priceless archaeological value that point out the times of the great heyday that the island enjoyed. The statue of Nike (Victory) of Samothrace, which is nowadays in the Louvre Museum in Paris, as well as the columns in various parts all over the island and particularly in Paliapolis, the ancient city of Samothrace, reflect the high level of civilization during Antiquity, mostly during the Hellenistic Times. The sanctuary of Samothrace was accessible to all those who desired to be initiated into the mysteries of the Cabeiri. Philippi: The vast archaeological site and the Early Christian Temples that exist up to now point out the importance of the city. Today in Philippi there is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, while a part of the ancient market (Agora) and Early Christian Basilicas (5th century A.D.) have survived. On his way to Thessalonica, Paul the Apostle visited also Amphipolis and Apollonia.

Basilica B. Philippi

Octagonal church in the E side of the Agora. Philippi

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods. Samothrace

Monastery of Kesariani. Athens

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Asclepeion. Kos

Ancient Amphipolis (437 BC). Macedonia

Amphipolis, one of the most important cities of Macedonia, was founded in 437 B.C. by General Agnon, son of Nikias and enjoyed a great heyday in the times of Philip II, King of Macedonia. Apollonia was built on the south shore of Lake Volvi in 432 B.C. by colonists from Chalkis in Euboea. Near the Northern side of the ancient Temple of God Apollo there was the Bema of Paul the Apostle and the waters that ran from a spring, a little way beyond, were considered to be his sacred fount (hagiasma). Thessalonica: The city was founded by Cassander in 315 B.C. and named after his wife, Thessalonike, sister of Alexander the Great. Paul the Apostle reached the city in the autumn of 49 A.D. Splendid Early Christian and Byzantine Temples of very important historical value, such as the Acheiropoietos (5th century A.D.) and the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God (Agia Sophia) of the 7th century A.D. seem to have been built on the ruins of an Early Christian Basilica. The Church of Panagia Chalkeon (1028 A.D.), Saint Demetrios Temple, patron Saint and protector of the city, that was built on the ruins of the thermae in which the great martyr was imprisoned and inhumed in 303 A.D. are a few of the Churches that one can visit today. The ancient market, the Triumphal Arch and the Palace of Galerius, a part of which has survived in Navarinou Square, the Rotunda, which was built in 4th century A.D. and was converted into a Christian Church during the reign of Theodosius the Great, take aback the visitors. Athens: Paul the Apostle visited Athens in 51 A.D., the city of Philosophy, Intellection, Arts and Parthenon. The ship carrying the Apostle, dropped anchor at Phaleron, which was then the main port of Athens and walked to the city where he found an altar with the inscription to the unknown God. While he was waiting for his students, Silas and Timothy, to arrive from Macedonia, he walked across the ancient market and the Acropolis, he visited the synagogue and discussed with the philosophers of that time, until the moment he was taken to the Aeropagus in order to preach formally for the Unknown God. Today in Athens there are many Early Christian and Byzantine Churches, such as Kapnikarea (11th century A.D.), the Monastery of Kaisariani (11th century A.D.) with wall-paintings dating back to the sixteenth century A.D., a Church dedicated to Paul the Apostle (1887 A.D.) in the heart of Athens etc. Corinth: In the early 50 A.D. the Apostle arrived at Corinth where he stayed for 18 months. During his third journey Paul passed from Lesbos, Chios, and Samos, three wonderful islands of Northern Aegean. The ancient monuments, the Churches and the Monasteries of the Byzantine era attract thousands of visitors every year. Kos and Rhodes: On Kos, the island where Medicine advanced during Antiquity by Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, the Apostle preached near the big platan. Rhodes, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, was inhabited during the Neolithic Period. The island, full of findings and castles, is one of the best destinations since tourists can admire ancient Greek and Roman creations as well as the castle of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (Hospitaliers).

Areopagus hill. Athens

Church of Agia Sophia. Thessaloniki

The Temple of Apollo. Ancient Corinth

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Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. Amorgos, Cyclades

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Monastery of Agios Nikolaos of Philanthropenoi. Ioannina

Panagia Soumela. Macedonia

themonasteries
Panagia Soumela, Macedonia: After the Catastrophe in Asia Minor, the refugees that came to Greece from the area of the Black Sea built on the slopes of Mount Vermion, the Monastery of Panagia Soumela. Pilgrims visit the Monastery in order to pay homage to the miraculous icon which was carried from the Monastery on Melas Mountain (Black Sea).. It is said that the icon was carved on wood by Lucas the Evangelist and was found in Athens. Monastery of Agios Nikolaos of Philanthropenoi, Epirus: One of the most significant religious monuments in Greece is the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos of Philanthropenoi. It is situated on the island of Lake Pamvotis in Ioannina. It was founded at the end of the 13th c by the Philanthropenoi, a noble Constantinople family. The churchs frescoes dated to the 16th c. are excellent samples of post-Byzantine painting. Visitors should not miss in the northern outer narthex the famous fresco depicting the great Greek philosophers and symbolizing the union between the ancient Greek spirit and Christianity. Monastery of Panagia Olympiotissa, Thessaly: The Monastery of Panagia Olympiotissa was founded in the 13th c by the Byzantine Emperor Andronicus II Paleologus. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Those of its frescoes that have been preserved to the present day were painted in the 13th c as well by Manuel Panselinos, the great master of the Macedonian Icon Painting School. Through the passage of time, the Monastery has been subject to raids, destruction, and pillaging not only during the Turkish Occupation but during the Nazi one as well. The monastery maintains an extensive library which owes its existence to the generous donation of 400 volumes on theology and literature by Anthimos Olympiotis, a celebrated scholar. Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Central Greece: The Monastery of Hosios Loukas Steriotis in Beotia is home to two of the most significant religious monuments in Greece, dating back to Byzantine times: the church of the Virgin Mary (10th c) and the monasterys katholikon (11th c). Both structures command the awe and admiration of contemporary visitors since they are characterized by impressive masonry and magnificent yet refined architectural elements and sculptures which bear testimony to the imperial care lavished on the buildings. The Monastery of Hosios Loukas has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Mega Spilaio, Peloponnese: Built on a rugged, forbidding cliff, the historic Mega Spilaio of Kalavrita rises 120 meters above the Vouraikos canyon. According to tradition, the monastery was founded by two monks from Thessaloniki, Symeon and Theodorus after they had discovered the miraculous icon of Panagia Dexiokratousa (Our Lady Holding Holy Infant in her right arm) which had been painted by Luke the Evangelist. Mega Spilaio became the hub of revolutionary activities during the Greek War of Independence which culminated with the monasterys staving off the advancing armies of Ibrahim Pasha in 1827. Home to the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary as well as to many saints relics, it also houses a museum with remarkable historical objects from the Greek War of Independence. Panagia Hozoviotissa, Amorgos: The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is built on eight successive levels on the vertical face of a cliff formation and it is no wider than 5 meters. Tradition has it that the Monastery was founded during the period of Iconomachy (8th-9th c), when the icon of the Virgin Mary reached in a miraculous way the island of Amorgos from Hozova, Palestine. Other tales of tradition claim that the monastery was founded by Alexius I Comnenus in 1088. The icon of the Virgin Mary rests in the monasterys katholicon. On display in the vestry there are numerous ecclesiastical relics such as sigils, gospel books, manuscripts, canonical vestments.

Monastery of Mega Spilaio. Kalavryta

The washing of the feet. Katholikon of Hosios Loukas Monastery

Panagia Prousiotissa. Central Greece

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Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani Toplou. Crete

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Nea Moni. Chios

Monastery of Taxiarch Archangel Michael Panormitis. Symi

Monastery of Panagia Archangeliotissa, Thrace: The monastery is situated in a forested area of Rodopi, near Xanthi. It was founded in the 14th c and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Koimisis tes Theotokou). During the times of Turkish Occupation it was the cultural hub and refuge of Christians in the area. It was heavily damaged by the 1829 catastrophic earthquake but the contributions of Xanthis economically robust tobacco merchants helped towards the monasterys restoration. Among the religious treasures still at the monastery there is the icon of Panagia Odegetria (15th c), the despotic icons depicting Jesus Christ High Priest and the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ (16th-17th c), the resident icon of the Virgin Mary Archangeliotissa (Our Lady of Archangels). Nea Moni (New Monastery) of Chios, N.E. Aegean: Chios most significant religious monument was founded in the middle of the 11th c by Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachos. The Monasterys katholikon is a masterful sample of the octagon architectural type common at the islands. It is elaborately decorated in the interior with trompe loeil marble finishes, mosaics, and precious materials which indicate the care lavished on the monastery by the emperor. The Nea Moni of Chios is included in UNESCOs World Heritage List. Monastery of Taxiarch Archangel Michael, Panormitis, Dodecanese: The Monastery of Archangel Michael nestles in a grove of olive trees, firs, and cypresses on the Gulf of Panormos, Symi. It is a major pilgrimage site of Greece. It was founded during the Frankish Occupation (1309-1522) and was rebuilt in 1783 after the extensive damage it sustained in mid-18th c. During the Greek War of Independence, the monastery supported the cause with money and supplies and engaged in educational activities throughout the 19th c. The monastery's 1783 katholikon is lavishly decorated by frescoes painted by the brothers Karakostis. Its wood-carved iconostasis holds the miraculous, silver-plated icon of Taxiarch Archangel Michael which draws thousands of pilgrims every year. Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani Toplou: One of the most historic monasteries in Crete is that of Panagia Akrotiriani which owes its name to its geographical position on the eastern shores of Crete. It was founded in the 14th c and has been restored as many times as it has been damaged. During the Venetian Occupation the monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani became a major cultural hub and contributed to the Cretan renaissance. The Toplou monastic complex combines diverse Byzantine and western monastic architectural elements. Both the aisleless, barrel-vaulted katholikon with its gabled faade and the splendidly ornate belfry bear pronounced renaissance influences. The monasterys Museum is noteworthy housing an extensive collection of icons, canonical vestments, ecclesiastical vessels, rare manuscripts, and copper engravings. Monastery of Panagia Vlachernon, Ionian Islands: This is one of the most impressive sites on Corfu. The monastery is built on an islet joined to the mainland by a centuries old promotory. From the Monastery of Panagia Vlachernon leave boats that go to the famous Pontikonissi (Mouse island), a small vendurous island, with a 13th c. church, that has inspired many artists in the world. Monastery of Daphni, Athens: The Monastery of Koimisis tis Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) in Daphni constitutes one of the most significant Greek religious monuments. The monastic complex dates back to the end of the 11th c: The monasterys exquisitely designed cross-in-square, octagon katholikon is lavishly decorated. Visitors entering its interior are met by a wealth of splendid mosaics: they are unique samples of Byzantiums classical period in art (Middle Byzantine Period) which was inspired by classical idealism. The Monastery of Daphni is among those Greek heritage monuments that have been included in UNESCOs World Heritage List.

Monastery of Daphni. Athens

Monastery of Panagia Vlachernon. Corfu

Monastery of Panagia Archangeliotissa. Thrace

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Castle-Monastery of St John the Theologian. Chora, Patmos

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patmos
THE ISLAND OF APOCALYPSE The small island of Patmos, part of the Dodecanese islands, has a 2.500 long history. The first historical reference to Patmos was attributed to Thucydides who described it as a rocky island. Since 95 A.D. Patmos has been a landmark in the history of Christianity, Theology and History. John the Apostle, the beloved student of Christ who lived in Ephesus at that time, has been exiled to Patmos, a place of inspiration and communication with God, where he would write down the words of the Creator about the Last Judgement. The Apostle had the honour to be an eyewitness of the life and the Holy Words of Jesus and he wrote his Apocalypse in a cave, a place visited even nowadays by thousands of pilgrims who wish to pray and meditate. The island of the Apocalypse is a reference point for all Christians today. The Monastery of John the Evangelist and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John was inspired, constitute one of the most important centres of monastic life for the Orthodox world. The wall paintings of the Monastery and the Cave convey to the believers the message of Revelations, the dedication to God and the sacrifice of John the Apostle. In the library of the Monastery you can find: *The Purple Codex of the 6th century A.D.: it is constituted by 33 purple leaves of Fine parchment. It is written with silver writing and includes extracts from the Gospel of Saint Mark. *There are more than 1000 manuscripts of thelogical content: Gospels, psalters, benedictionals and manuscripts of the Fathers of the Church, of Saint Vasilios, of Saint John Chrysostom and of Evangelist John the Theologian. *The golden stamps of the Byzantine Emperors and the documents sent by the Ecumenical Patriarchs to the Monastery.

Cave of the Apocalypse

Monastery of Saint John the Theologian

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Church of Panagia Evangelistria. Tinos

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Agios Dimitrios. Thessaloniki

Panagia Kosmosoteira. Feres, Thrace

thechurches
Panagia Kosmosoteira, Thrace: The church of Panagia Kosmosoteira (Our Lady, Saviour of the World) and parts of the fortified enclosure that once surrounded the monastery by the same name are situated in the small town of Feres, Evros. The monastic complex was established in 1151/2 by Sebastokrator Isaac (Isaakios) Comnenus, third son of Alexius I Comnenus. The church is a twopilaster, domed, cross-in-square edifice with strong influences from Constantinople. The wall frescoes are expressed dramatically depicting a celestial world seen through the eyes of ascetic ideals. Church of Agios Dimitrios, Thessaloniki: This magnificent church is dedicated to Thessalonikis patron saint and was built on the site where saint Dimitrios underwent his trials and tribulations. It is a significant 5th c AD monument built as a three-aisled basilica. It is impressively and richly decorated by Byzantine sculptures and paintings (mosaics, wall frescoes, trompe loeil marble finishes, and wreathed pilasters).The church was ravaged by the great fire of 1917 which also destroyed a large part of the city. It was eventually restored and opened its doors for services in 1948. Panagia Paregoritissa, Epirus: It is an imposing Byzantine church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Evangelisms tis Theotkou). It was built at the end of the 13th c by Nicephorus I Comnenus Ducas, ruler of Epirus. Lavishly decorated, the church is built in the unique Byzantine octagon, cross-in-square architectural style, eloquent witness to the economic and cultural prominence of the Despotate of Epirus at the time. The basilicas central dome, which bears a magnificent Christ Pantokrator mosaic, is famous for the ingenuous method used in its structural support. The Church of Evangelistria, Central Greece: Amfissas metropolitan church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is a 19th c structure where the old harmoniously blends with the new. It follows the Byzantine style of architecture and is renowned for its splendid religious paintings which is the work of eminent Greek painter Spyros Papaloukas. Mystras, Peloponnese: On the slopes of Mount Taygetos, Mystras, city of castles or Byzantine Pompeii, has defied the ravages of time. Seat of the Despotate of Moreas since the 14th c, Mystras became the cradle of cultural renaissance in the Late-Byzantine period. The religious monuments erected around the palace of the Paleologus family are numerous and incomparable: To name but a few: Agios Dimitrios (Metropolis 13th/14th c); Agii Theodori (13th c); Panagia Odegetria (14th c); Agia Sofia (mid-14th c); and the Monasteries of Perivleptos (14th c), Evangelistria (15th c), and Pantanassa (15th c). In 1990, Mystras was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List of cultural monuments. Panagia of Tinos, Cyclades: The Church of Panagia Evangelistria on the island of Tinos is the most popular pilgrimage destination in Greece. Made of white marble in 1823, the Church of Megalochari (Our Lady of Supreme Grace) is the epicenter of the annual pilgrimage that takes place on August 15, the day when the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Koimisis tes Theotokou) is celebrated by Christian Orthodoxy. The Icon of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Evangelismos tes Theotokou) was discovered after Agia Pelagia, a nun, had had a vision about the location of the icon. Hundreds of votive offerings, all dedication of the faithfull to the Virgin Mary of Tinos, adorn the interior of the church.

Panagia Paregoritissa. Arta, Epirus

The Church of Evangelistria. Amfissa, Central Greece

Agios Dimitrios. Mystras

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Church of Saints Constantine & Helen. Volos

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Church of Agios Therapon. Mytilini

Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Rhodes

Church of Saints Constantine & Helen, Thessaly: Built in a scenic location, the Church of Saints Constantine & Helen is situated literally by the seafront of the city of Volos. It was built in 1933 by Aristotelis Zachos, one of Greeces most eminent architects. The churchs architecture successfully combines the traditional basilica elements with its austere stone surfaces. The structure of the church blends harmoniously with the seascape and has become a point of reference for the citys numerous visitors. Agios Dionysios, Ionian Islands: The magnificent basilica of Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos vividly reminds one of Venices San Marco Cathedral as it rises in immaculately white splendor next to its 40meter high belfry. The Saints reliquary, indestructible and emanating myrrh, came from the Holy Monastery of Strofades and is preserved within the church. It is worth seeing the elaborately carved iconostasis and the church's awe-inspiring icons. Church of Panagia Kera, Crete: The church of Panagia Kera (Our Lady) is situated near the village Kritsa in Lassithi and constitutes one of the most significant religious monuments of Crete. It is a 13th c, domed, three-aisled, barrel-vaulted church. Its architectural and religious particularity is that each one of its three aisles is dedicated to a different religious figure: Agios Antonios and Agia Anna, respectively. Agios Therapon, N.E. Aegean: The church of Agios Therapon (1850) with its characteristic massive dome is identified with the island of Mytilini and attracts visitors in terms of both religion and architecture. It is the work of Argyris Adalis, a native son of Lesbos (Mytilini), who had been a student of the eminent architects of the time, Ziller and Hansen. The churchs architecture shows significant neo-gothic influences although it does belong to the traditional Byzantine style of domed, cross-insquare churches. The roof is a breathtaking masterpiece: Four small domes form a wreath around the edifice, with a fifth, massive dome in their midst. Evangelismos tis Theotokou, Dodecanese: The metropolitan church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is situated in the area of Mandraki in Rhodes. It was built in 1925 by the Italians who drew from the plans of an earlier church dedicated to Agios Ioannis and destroyed in an explosion. Its architecture brings together Gothic and Romanesque elements. The churchs interior is decorated with Neo-byzantine frescoes painted by renowned hagiographer Fotis Kontoglou. The church also features a chapel lavishly decorated with sculptures: it was intended for the interment of the sarcophagi containing the remains of the Grand Masters of the Knights Templars. The Church of Evangelismos tis Theotokou (Athens Cathedral): The cathedral of Athens is situated in the capitals historical center on Mitropoleos Street. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and is a domed, three-aisled basilica built in 1842-1862. It became one the first recorded edifices of the city when the latter was designated as the seat of the Greek state. The original architectural plans were drawn by Theofilus Hansen but were later converted and the basilica was eventually built after the drawings of D. Zezos which followed the "Greco-Byzantine style. Works on the church were completed under the supervision of architects F. Boulanger and P. Kalkos. After successive style changes, the church has emerged as a blend of Byzantine tradition and European neoclassical elements. the central and oldest aisle is dedicated to the Virgin Mary; the northern and southern ones that were built later are dedicated to

Church of Panagia Kera. Crete

Church of Agios Dionysios. Zakynthos

Athens Cathedral

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The monuments of the Greek Orthodox religion are an integral part of the national heritage and attract a considerable number of visitors. The Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches with their important iconography, mosaics, murals and rare icons, the imposing cathedrals, the chapels and shrines of the countryside, the monasteries, metochia (monastic dependencies) and sketae, the unique monastic state of Mount Athos (Agio Oros) and the Meteora monasteries (Thessaly) speak for the intense dedication to our traditions and the close interconnection of art with religious worship through the centuries. In many regions of the country the visitor also has the opportunity to come across buildings and places of worship belonging to other doctrines and religions which co-exist in a continuous dialogue promoting the rare historic and cultural palimpsest of Greece.
Indicative list of religious monuments Churches: Agia Ekaterini (St. Catherine) (city of Rhodes) Agia Ekaterini (Thessalonica) Agia Varvara (St. Barbara) at Erimos (Laconia) Agia Matrona (Partheni, Leros) Agia Paraskevi (Medieval City of Rhodes) Agia Paraskevi at Palaiochori, (Grevena, Macedonia) Agia Sophia (St. Sophia)(Drama) Agia Sophia (Thessalonica) Agia Triada at Ippoton street (Medieval City of Rhodes) Agia Triada at Drakotripa (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Athanassios (St. Athanasius) (city of Rhodes) Agios Athanassios at Koustochori (Imathia) Agios Athanassios at Mytilini (Lesbos) Agios Athanassios at Palamas (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Artemios at Stavros (Naxos, Cyclades) Agios Andreas (St. Andrew) of Patras Agios Vassilios (St. Basil) (Agios Efstratios) Agios Vassilios, Arta (Epirus) Agios Vlassios at Veria Agios Germanos at Prespes (Florina, Macedonia) Agios Georgios (St. George) (Drymonas, Leros) Agios Georgios (Omorphocclesia, Kastoria) Agios Georgios (Partheni, Leros) Agios Georgios (city of Rhodes) Agios Georgios at Vasiliki (Trikala, Thessaly) Agios Georgios Diasoritis (Naxos, Cyclades) Agios Georgios at Leuki (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Georgios at Rendina and Chapel of Agios Dimitrios (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Georgios at Anemotia (Lesbos) Agios Georgios at Repanidi (Lemnos) Agios Georgios at Sfaka (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Agios Georgios tou Vounou (Kastellorizo, Dodecanese) Agios Dimitrios (Thessalonica) Agios Therapon at Mytilini (Lesbos) Agios Ioannis Vaptistis (St. John the Baptist) (Kos) Agios Ioannis Eleimon (St. John the Merciful) at Lygourio (Argolida, Peloponnese) Agios Ioannis Theologos (Lakki, Leros) Agios Ioannis Theologos at Paliouri (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Ioannis at Kerami (Lesbos) Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos at Kimolos (Cyclades) Agios Konstantinos at Avdou (Heraklio) Agios Loukas at Apella (Karpathos, Dodecanese) Agios Minas at Velvento (Kozani, Macedonia) Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) (Elaeonas, Serres) Agios Nikolaos (Kyriakosellia, Chania, Crete) Agios Nikolaos (Platsa, Messenia) Agios Nikolaos at Velvento (Kozani, Macedonia) Agios Nikolaos at Diporo (Grevena, Macedonia) Agios Nikolaos at Larimna (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Agios Nikolaos at Marmarites (Emporeio, Thera) Agios Nikolaos Orphanos (Thessalonica) Agios Nikolaos (Platani, Patras) Agios Nikolaos at Perivoli (Grevena, Macedonia) Agios Panteleimon (Thessalonica) Agios Panteleimon at Bizariano (Heraklio) Agios Petros (St. Peter) (Drymonas, Leros) Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen) (Kastoria) Agios Stefanos at Mantamados (Lesbos) Agii Anargiri (Kosmas and Damianos) at Varousi (Trikala, Thessaly) Agii Anargiri at Kastoria Agii Anargiri at Servia (Kozani, Macedonia) Agii Apostoli (Holy Apostles) (Thessalonica) Agii Apostoli (Kamara, Leros) Agii Apostoli at Pirgi (Chios) Agii Apostoli Petros & Pavlos at Klokotos (Trikala, Thessaly) Agii Theodori (Athens) Agii Theodori at Livanates (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Agii Theodori at Servia (Kozani, Macedonia) Agii Iason and Sossipatros (Saints Jason and Sosipater) (Corfu) Agios Kirykos and Agia Ioulitta at Veria Anastasis Sotiros Christou (the Resurrection of Christ the Saviour) (Veria) Ancient Church - Christ of Jerusalem (Kalymnos) Athens Cathedral (the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary) Genesion tis Theotokou at Neraida Dolopon (Karditsa, Thessaly) Episkope (Messa Gonia, Thera) Episcopal Church at Kastron (Servia, Kozani) Kapnicarea (Athens) Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin Mary) at Dilofo (Kozani) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Merbakas (Argolida) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Aetolofos (Agia, Larissa) Koimisis tis Theotokou (Aiani, Kozani) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Gelanthi (Karditsa, Thessaly) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Noubenitsa (Grevena, Macedonia) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Agiassos (Lesbos) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Kalambaka (Trikala, Thessaly) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Petra (Lesbos) Megas Theologos at Veria Metamorfosis tou Sotiros (the Transfiguration of the Saviour) at Nomitsi (Messenia) Metamorfosis tou Sotiros at Papiana (Lesbos) Archangel Michael (Episkopi, Kissamos) Middle-Byzantine church of Sisani, Kozani (Macedonia) Panagia (Virgin Mary) at Fodele (Heraklio) Panagia Gourlomata (Drymonas, Leros) Panagia Drosiani (Naxos) Panagia Kakkaviotissa (Limnos) Panagia Kera (Kritsa, Lassithi) Panagia Koumbelidiki or Kastriotissa at Kastoria Panagia Krena (Chios) Panagia Odigitria at Apolpena (Lefkada) Panagia Protothroni (Naxos) Panagia Katholiki (Gastouni, Ilia) Panagia Kastrou (city of Rhodes) Panagia Paregoritissa at Arta (Epirus) Panagia Troulloti (Lesbos) Panagia Chalkeon (Thessalonica) Panaxiotissa (Aetoloacarnania, Central Greece) Porta Panagia at Pyli (Trikala, Thessaly) Prophet Elias (Prophet Elijah) (Thessalonica) Taxiarchis Michail (Archangel Michael) (Kalymnos) Taxiarchis at Drama Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Athens) Panagia Gouverniotissa at Potamies, (Chersonisos) Old Cathedral of Veria Old Cathedral of Edessa Old Cathedral of Serres

Early Christian Basilicas Acheiropoiitos (Thessalonica) Agia Paraskevi of Kozani Agios Andreas (St. Andrew) (Skala Eressou, Lesbos) Agios Achilleios of Prespes (Florina, Macedonia) Agios Fokas (Vatera, Lesbos) Agios Isidoros of Chios Agios Stefanos (Kos, Dodecanese) Almyrida Apokoronou, Chania (Crete) Amphipolis (Macedonia) Basilica of Katichoumenon at Servia, Kozani (Macedonia) Chersonisos Basilica A (Crete) Glyki (Thesprotia, Epirus) Hekatontapyliani or Katapoliani of Paros Kato Sikyon (Corinthia, Peloponnese) Lechaion (Corinthia, Peloponnese) Palaeopolis (Corfu) Chalinados (Lesbos) Paraportiani (Mykonos) Church of Protaton (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Rotunda (Thessalonica) Sfekia (Imathia) Monasteries Agathonos Monastery (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Agia Anastasia Farmakolytria (Halkidiki, Macedonia) Agia Lavra (Kalavryta, Achaia) Agia Triada at Vythos (Kozani, Macedonia) Agia Triada Tsangarolon (Rethymno, Crete) Agia Triada Meteoron (Thessaly) Agios Vissarion (Dousiko) (Trikala, Thessaly) Agios Georgios at Mavromati (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Georgios at Mirofillo (Karditsa, Thessaly) Agios Georgios Pheneos (Corinthia, Peloponnese) Agios Dimitrios at Kypseli (Preveza, Epirus) Agios Ioannis Theologos (Patmos) Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St. John the Precursor) (Zakynthos) Agios Nikolaos at Agoriani (Laconia) Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas at Meteora (Thessaly) Agios Nikolaos of Philanthropenoi (Ioannina) Agios Panteleimon (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Agios Panteleimon at Tilos (Dodecanese) Agios Pavlos (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Agios Stefanos at Meteora (Thessaly) Agii Apostoli (Holy Apostles) at Leontarion (Arcadia) Agii Tessarakonta (Forty Martyrs) (Chrysafa, Laconia) Ano Moni Panagias Xenias (Magnesia) Arkadi (Rethymno) Taxiarch Archangel Michael Panormitis (Symi, Dodecanese) The Asteriou Monastery (Attiki) Varlaam Monastery at Meteora Vatopedi (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Vrondessios (Heraklio) Genesion tis Theotokou (the Birth of the Virgin Mary) (Karditsa, Thessaly) Gouvernetou (Chania) Grigoriou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Damasta (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Daphni (Attiki) Dionysiou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Docheiariou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Esfigmenou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Evangelismos tis Panagias at Bounasia (Grevena, Macedonia) Evangelistria (Skiathos) Evangelistria Daponte (Skopelos) Hermitage of the Mikri Analipsi (Small Ascension) (Prespes) Hosios Loukas (Boeotia) Zavorda (Grevena, Macedonia) Zygou (Halkidiki, Macedonia) Zographou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Theotokos Anaphonetria (Zakynthos) Iviron (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Kesariani Monastery (Attiki)

Kanalon Monastery at Karia (Larissa, Thessaly) Karakallou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Kato Panagia (Arta, Epirus) Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin Mary) at Vitouma (Thessaly) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Koumpouriana (Karditsa, Thessaly) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Spilaio (Grevena, Macedonia) Koimisis tis Theotokou at Damandri (Lesbos) Korona (Karditsa, Thessaly) Koutloumousiou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Konstamonitou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Latomou (Thessalonica) Great Meteoron (Thessaly) Megalo Spileo at Kalavryta (Peloponnese) Megales Pyles (Porta Panagias) (Trikala, Thessaly) Megisti Lavra (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Metamorfosis tou Sotiros at Loukou (Arkadia) Metamorfosis tou Sotiros at Driovouno (Kozani, Macedonia) Xenofontos (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Xeropotamou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Olympiotissa at Elassona (Larissa, Thessaly) Pammegiston Taxiarchon at Mantamados (Lesbos) Panagia Kera at Ano Kera (Heraklio) Panagia Kosmosoteira (Our Lady-Saviour of the World, Evros) Panagia at Melinintza (Phthiotis, Greece) Panagia Hozoviotissa (Amorgos) Pantokratoros (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Papikion mountain (Rodopi - Thrace) Pelekiti (Karditsa, Thessaly) Perivoli (Lesbos) Petra (Karditsa, Thessaly) Preveli (Rethymno) Proussos (Evrytania, Central Greece) Profitis Elias at Zeli (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Rendina (Karditsa, Thessaly) Roussanou at Meteora (Thessaly) Simonos Petras (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Skripou (Boeotia) Stavronikita (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Taxiarches Leimonos (Lesbos) Tzangaroli (Chania, Crete) Timios Prodromos of Serres Timios Stavros at Doliana (Arkadia, Peloponnese) Toplou (Lassithi, Crete) Ypsilou at Lesbos Philotheou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Philosophou (Dimitsana, Arcadia) Frangavilla (Ilia) Chilandariou (Agio Oros - Mount Athos) Nea Moni (Chios) Katholikon of the monasteries Agios Vlassios monastery (Central Greece) Monastery of Archangel Michael (Rhodes) Monastery of Varsamoneron (Heraklio) Dadiou monastery (Phthiotis, Central Greece) Metamorfosis tou Sotiros (Kammena Vourla, Phthiotis) Monastery of Hosios Loukas (Boeotia) Siamadon monastery (Trikala, Thessaly) Stagiadon monastery (Trikala, Thessaly) Taxiarches monastery (Lesbos) Taxiarches monastery (Neraida Stilidas, Phtiotis) Cover: Monasteries of Meteora
A GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION EDITION OCTOBER 2010 MARKET RESEARCH AND ADVERTISING DIRECTORATE PUBLICATIONS & AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA DEPARTMENT DESIGN & LAYOUT: M. MANDREKA TEXT EDITING: H. RAPTIS PHOTOS: G.N.T.O. ARCHIVE (COVER) G.N.T.O. ARCHIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECEIPTS FUND (ARF) G. DETSIS . DROUGAS G. KAVALLIERAKIS N. KONTOS MAXIMOS M. MITZITHROPOULOS M. MOUSTAFELLOU A. NEUMEIER D. ROZAKI H. SFYRAS Y. SKOULAS S. TSELENTIS Y. VAHARIDIS PRINTED IN GREECE BY: MEGA PRINT LTD