Thiseiu - Kerameikos

Thiseiu - Kerameikos
Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery of Athens, is one of the most beautiful and least visited of the archaeological sites in downtown Athens. The area was on the northwest fringe of the ancient city and and is now the outer edge of the areas visited by most travelers. Within the site are the ancient walls of Athens and the Sacred Gate which was only used by pilgrims from Eleusus using the sacred road to and from that site during the anual procession. Nearby is the Dipylon gate which was the main entrance to the city, where the Panathenaic procession began and where the cities prostitutes congregated so they could make themselves available to weary travelers. Between the two gates is the Pompeion, where the preparations were made for the Panathenaic procession which was in honor of Athena. The church of Agia Triada is in the background. The Eridanos river which once passed through the Sacred gate still flows beneath the site. It was covered by the Romans. There is a small museum with some really nice pottery, sculptures and right next to it is a collection of pillars.

Kapnikarea Church

Althought it's a small structure, the Kapnikarea Church, a religious institution in its own right, stands proudly on Ermou Street as one of Plaka's most serene venues. Quite untouched by the hectic pace of present-day Athens, this tiny building has a compelling Byzantine mosaic. Otherwise, the

Panagia Gorgoepíkoös (Mikrí Mitropolí)

The Panagia Gorgoepíkoös is a church of an extremely illustrious name. Literally translating as 'Our Lady Who Swiftly Answers Prayers', this tiny church is a 12th Century chapel found in the Pláka district. The church is currently quite unable to hold a large congregation, as its building

Mitrópoli (Cathedral)

The most significant and largest Orthodox structure in Athens, the Mitrópoli was built in 1842, the project having been initiated by King Otto and Queen Amalia. Having gathered the massive marble blocks from 72 idle churches, the workers built its gigantic walls in 20 years. The work of three