Cathedral of the Annunciation

The Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God is the main attraction of the central part of Athens. It is located on Mitropolios Square. Its other name is the Great Metropolia. This is the cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is the residence of the Bishop of Athens and an important spiritual center of Greek Orthodoxy.

The cathedral is built of marble left over from 72 destroyed Athenian churches and chapels. Externally, it resembles the Cathedral of San Marco in Venice. It has a three-nave structure with three entrances. The main entrance is located on the west side and has a triple door that symbolizes mercy, faith and hope. On both sides the facade is framed by two bell towers made in the Gothic style. From the south and north sides one door, which are decorated with columns of white marble. Above the cathedral is decorated with a huge dome measuring more than 10 meters in diameter.

On the territory of the cathedral there are two burials: St. Philotheus and Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople. The interior of the cathedral is unusually majestic. There are galleries on the marble columns. Colorful frescoes, carvings and gilding amaze with their splendor.

When visiting the Cathedral, you should remember the dress code: long dresses or skirts; no shorts and deep necklines.

Getting to the Great Metropolis is best by metro from Monastiraki or Syntagma stations. Another option is bus No 025, No 026, No027. Mitropoli stop.