Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea - Athens, Greece
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 37° 58.582 E 023° 43.719
34S E 739667 N 4206706
The Byzantine Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea is the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Athens
Waymark Code: WMBWHG
Location: Greece
Date Posted: 06/27/2011
Views: 29
The Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea is the oldest church in Athens, it was built during the middle of the 11th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary but it is better known as Kapnikarea. As with other Early Christian churches, it was built over an ancient Greek pagan temple which was once possibly dedicated to Athena or Demeter.
It was partially destroyed during the Greek War for Independence (1821–1829). By 1834 the church was further damaged and deserted. Ludwig of Bavaria intervened and the church was rescued. The building also escaped demolition in 1863 with the intervention of the Bishop of Athens. The church is currently owned by the University of Athens.
Type of Orthodox Church: Eastern
Type of Building: Church
Status of Building: Restored building not in use
Associated Icons, Reliefs, art, etc.: Mosaic over entrance, Byzantine style icons inside
Address:
Corner of Ermous & Kalamiótous
Athens, Greece
10556
Relevant Website: [Web Link]
Date of organization: Not listed
Date of building construction: Not listed
Diocese: Not listed
Archdiocese: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
To log a visit to this waymark, you must post at least one original photo (from a different angle than the original waymark) of the site, give the date and a brief description of your visit, including your impressions of the architectural details that make your waymark submission special.