This historical tour will trace the history of Attica through the centuries to the present day, focusing on its most iconic monuments. During the tour, particular attention will be paid to the architecture of the temples, their connections to antiquity, and the architectural styles present in Attic temples. Each monument will be the subject of a detailed analysis, covering its historical features, its architecture, and its painted decorations. Twenty temples and monasteries have been selected for this tour, most dating from the Middle Byzantine period (843-1204), and a few from the Post-Byzantine period (1453-19th century). A prominent place is occupied by the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Kapnikarea), the Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Church of St. Eleftherios), the Church of Saints Theodore, Saints Asomatoi Thissiou, Saint Nicholas Ragavas, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Soteira Kottaki), the Transfiguration of the Savior in Plaka, the Panagia Pantanassa, the Holy Apostles Solaki, Saint John the Theologian, St. Catherine’s Church, Church of the Holy Russian Trinity, Metropolis of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Metochoion of the Holy Sepulcher (Church of Saints Anargyroi), Daphni Monastery, Kaisariani Monastery, Penteli Monastery, Daou Penteli, Katholikon of Petraki Monastery, Asteri Monastery and Monastery Saint-Jean de Kynigou.
The ongoing promotion and appreciation of medieval and Christian Attica, whose history and monuments, unlike those of the Classical period, are less well-known, should also be highlighted. Attica, in addition to the glory of Classical Antiquity, also boasts a rich Byzantine past, primarily showcased through its monuments.
This excursion aims to present the Christian churches of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods, which, through their elegance, remarkable architectural features, and decoration, contribute to the international renown of medieval and Christian Attica.
In addition to the archaeological sites, visitors will have the opportunity to discover and admire up close the numerous Byzantine churches and monasteries (some of which are located near the archaeological sites, or even within them).
Visiting these historic Christian places of worship, witnesses to an Attica of another era, Byzantine and medieval Attica, and their importance as precious testimonies of cultural heritage, invite the visitor and the believer to a different perspective on Attica.
