Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherius image

Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherius

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Church Greek orthodox church

One of the Most Reviewed Churches in Athens


Address

Plateía Mitropóleos 8, Athina 105 56, Greece

Contact

+30 21 0322 1308

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (812 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (51) Athens (24) small (14) cathedral (12) beautiful (12) ancient (11) Byzantine (11) Metropolis (10) century (9) temple (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Trang N. 1 year ago on Google • 478 reviews
    Nice little ancient church next to the Holy metropolitan church in the center of Monastiraki area. Can get inside for free. Good for a short stop over.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ANTÔNIO Carlos ANTOLINI J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I visited when I was in Athens in February 2020 and recommend .... Antônio Antolini, from Brazil .... (Original) Visitei quando estive em Atenas em fevereiro de 2020 e recomendo.... Antônio Antolini, do Brasil....
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas K. 1 year ago on Google • 206 reviews
    Nicknamed the “little Metropolis” due to its proximity to the cathedral and also because for a time during the Ottoman period it served as Athens’ cathedral, this incredible medieval church is an exciting example of Byzantine architecture. The wonderful carved marbles adorning the exterior are actually centuries older than the church itself, as they belong to ancient temples of different periods, which were destroyed by the Christians and used to decorate this masterpiece of a building. Don’t miss it!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Klaus D. 2 years ago on Google • 453 reviews
    Small but well preserved Byzantine church in the centre of Athens, in a small park next to the cathedral, the seat of the Orthodox Archbishop of Athens. A special feature of this church are the about 90 reliefs from different periods. Next to her big sister this small jewelry has not to hide at all.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anestis K. 9 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    A very beautiful, small, historical church. It is located right next to the mitropolitan cathedral, hence it's nickname "little metropolis". It dates back to the byzantine era and is built by the spolia of other pagan temples. It is very beautiful inside, with beautiful marble and icons. A great place of worship and prayer for orthodox christians.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jivko V. 4 years ago on Google
    Small Greek Orthodox Church next to Athens metropolitan church. Built around 12th.century.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 F. N. 3 months ago on Google • 608 reviews New
    Interesting small historical church that used ancient marble and modified it by adding multiple crosses to it. The church is very small but is worth a shirt visit. It is free to enter this church.

  • 5/5 Pio 1 year ago on Google
    The Little Metropolis, formally the Church of St. Eleutherios or Panagia Gorgoepikoos, is a Byzantine church located at the Mitropoleos square, next to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The church is built on top of the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Eileithyia.Various dates for its construction have been proposed in the past, from the 9th century under Empress Irene of Athens to the 13th century. The church was built after 1436. Originally dedicated to the Panagia Gorgoepikoos after a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary housed there, it acquired the name "Little Metropolis" because it was located within the bounds of the residence of the Metropolitan of Athens
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer K. 7 years ago on Google
    Beautiful small church hiding behind the lather one. The old stone carvings on the outer wall are incrediable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas D. 11 months ago on Google • 112 reviews
    Like most churches in Athens, it’s dedicated to Saint Agios. The little church is sometimes referred to as "the old cathedral," since it actually was once the cathedral.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali H. 1 year ago on Google • 344 reviews
    Wonderful church with deep byzantine architecture with touch of ottoman influence. Must visit place in Athens.

  • 5/5 Eirini L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A large-and-small architectural monument, elegant.The energy of the space is unique.Connect link of old-new, with special weight.The surrounding atmosphere imposing, transports you to other times, as if there is no bustling city, just a few meters away. the temple in the 12th century in ancient ruins, in honor of Eilithia, patron goddess of pregnant women, with marbles dating from the 6th century. Very beautiful courtyard space, very green, a beautiful monument that fortunately stands still. (Original) Ενα μεγάλο-μικρό αρχιτεκτονικό μνημείο,κομψοτέχνημα.Η ενέργεια του χώρου μοναδική.Συνδετικός κρίκος παλιού- νέου,με ειδικό βάρος.Η περιρρέουσα ατμόσφαιρα επιβλητική,σε μεταφέρει σε άλλες εποχές, λες και δεν υπάρχει η πολύβουη πόλη, λίγα μόνο μέτρα μακριά.Κτισμένος ο ναός τον 12ομχ αιώνα στα ερείπια αρχαίου, προς τιμή της Ειλείθυιας,προστάτιδας θεάς των εγκύων γυναικών,με μάρμαρα που χρονολογούνται απο τον 6οπχ αιώνα. Πολύ όμορφος προαύλιος χώρος,πολύ πράσινο,ένα πανέμορφο μνημείο που ευτυχώς στέκει ακόμα όρθιο.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Waldek T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful temple from the 12th century, such on a micro scale and still impressive (Original) Piekna swiatynia z 12 wieku,taka w skali mikro a mimo to robi wrazenie
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr Dorothy Lobel K. 3 years ago on Google
    My favourite church in Athens. Can’t comment on the church services as I’m not Christian, but the exterior is an architectural marvel made up of a mosaic of re-used ancient carved stones. The interior in contrast is plain and serene.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter O. 2 years ago on Google
    Small and well preserved Byzantine church. It’s absolutely beautiful. Well worth looking at if you happen to be in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eileen W. 3 years ago on Google
    The church is quite amazing, with the intriguing hodgepodge of pagan and Christian symbols on the walls, especially on the outside! It was part of the free "Rick Steves Athens City Walk" audio which I was listening to. He talked us through the rich history and iconography inside and outside the church. The audio tour is available for free download online so I highly recommend when visiting Athens!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patricia J. 6 years ago on Google
    A delightful Byzantine church, known locally as the Little Metropolis. This is a “don’t miss” and is located near the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral and a fine statue of Constantine XI in the same square and right at the entrance to the Plaka District.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JeanClaude B. 1 year ago on Google
    After the grandeur of the nearby church. This one is intimate in its design and clearly much older. It’s a lovely comparison and worth entering although it’s much smaller
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 yawei l. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Characteristic downtown church (Original) 具有特色的鬧區教堂
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing…wish I could have taken pictures inside!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Orfeas K. 5 years ago on Google
    Probably one of the most stunning churches in Athens, it is a true open-air museum. It is open in the mornings but the interior is completely unremarkable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James Constantine S. 4 months ago on Google • 273 reviews
    A jewell situated in the middle of Athens, well worth a visit to this 13 century church, stone wall carvings afterwards go for a succulent souvlaki at nearby restaurants.

  • 5/5 Roberto C. 5 months ago on Google • 148 reviews
    A lovely, cozy, beautiful small chapel

  • 5/5 Ian B. 1 year ago on Google • 104 reviews
    Small and cute quaint looking church right beside a much larger church. You are only allowed to enter the front portion of the church. There are also someone to explain the significance of it for a small donation to the church.

  • 5/5 Francesca 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful jewel

  • 4/5 Rachael H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautifully maintained.

  • 5/5 Elisabetta S. 2 years ago on Google
    Must see!

  • 4/5 D.A. 6 years ago on Google
    This is probably the most interesting, pretty and small church I have ever seen.

  • 5/5 Fb 2 years ago on Google
    So beautiful

  • 5/5 Ειρήνη �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice place! Man to calm down! (Original) Πολύ ωραίο μέρος! Να ηρεμήσει ο άνθρωπός!

  • 5/5 Hector Carlos O. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) An ancient place to visit in the heart of Athens. Short visit Beautiful surroundings. (Original) Un lugar antiquísimo a visitar en el corazón de Atenas. Visita corta. Entorno hermoso.

  • 5/5 Stam V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful temple! (Original) Υπέροχος ναός!

  • 5/5 Marianna A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Panagia Gorgoepikoou, a small Cathedral, a Byzantine church in the city of Athens, was built from ancient marbles in second use and is a testament to the marvelous historical continuity of Greek culture. (Original) Παναγία Γοργοεπηκόου, μικρή Μητρόπολη, μια βυζαντινή εκκλησία της πόλης των Αθηνών, κτίστηκε από αρχαία μάρμαρα σε δεύτερη χρήση και αποτελεί απόδειξη της θαυμάσιας ιστορικής συνέχειας του ελληνικού πολιτισμού.

  • 3/5 J.Carlos E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small chapel located next to the cathedral of Athens (Original) Pequeña capilla situada al lado de la catedral de Atenas

  • 5/5 Mônica I. 3 years ago on Google
    Take a look inside the church and admire the Iconography common used in the Oriental Churches

  • 5/5 Mirek P. 4 years ago on Google
    ???

  • 5/5 Lynne L. 1 year ago on Google
    This church is very similar to that at main square but this one is open most of the time hence allowing visits and adoration of gold lined frescoes on the wall. Space is small and private.

  • 5/5 Дмитрий �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The beautiful temple of Agios Eleftherios of the 9th-13th century (the exact date is not known). The temple is called Little Metropolis, because It is located next to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Great Metropolis) in Metropolis Square. Pay attention to fragments of the temple both outside and inside (see photo). (Original) Красивый храм Айос-Элефтериос 9 -13 века (точная дата не известна). Храм называют Little Metropolis, т.к. он расположен рядом с Собором Благовещения Пресвятой Богородицы (Great Metropolis) на площади Metropolis. Обратите внимание на фрагменты храма как снаружи так и внутри (см. фото).

  • 4/5 Weronika L. 4 years ago on Google
    Pretty outside but closed.

  • 5/5 Aumid S. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the elegant churches in Athens Agios Church

  • 5/5 Lampros M. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best places for brunch in the centre of Athens!!! Many restaurants & cafés nearby, so no-one would leave disappointed!!! I highly recommend looking for a cafe serving cold brew and give it a try!!! Greek coffee industry is on the rise!!! Take advantage of this trend!!! Be adventurous & and look for hidden gems walking around!!!

  • 5/5 Finn A. 5 years ago on Google
    This Catholic Church near to shopping street metropoleos,a lot of shops and restaurants near by, but the church quite big and wonderful.

  • 5/5 Pei 1 year ago on Google
    A very cute and tiny church. Easy to be missed unless you look for it as there is a much larger church situated right next to it. Free entrance. Donation at your convenience.

  • 5/5 François C. 5 years ago on Google
    Great church, especially during Easter!

  • 5/5 Georgiana G. 4 years ago on Google
    Impressive church

  • 5/5 QUENTIN M. 1 year ago on Google
    Small church next to the cathedral. The outside is very beautiful, especially in the sun.

  • 5/5 François B. P. 11 months ago on Google
    Nice smal old church. To be viewed during two main visits.

  • 5/5 Chris D. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historic property in Elos

  • 5/5 Chryssanthie P. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful byzantine church next to the Athens Metropolitan cathedral

  • 5/5 pts p. 5 years ago on Google
    Another Byzantine era priceless treasure of a building you can walk up to and touch. Absolutely stunning at night. Resteraunt right next to this place serves absolutely great calimari.

  • 4/5 Akis-Prokopios D. K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Temple made of old temples. Impressive in the early Christian presence. It takes time and study And beyond, sir. (Original) Ναος φτειαγμενος απο παλιωτερους ναους. Επιβλητικος σε πρωτοχριστιανικη παρουσιαση. Θελει χρονο και μελετη Και η εξω του πλευρα, κυριως.

  • 5/5 TzuGURU 4 years ago on Google
    A Very mistic church. The church has a typical Byzantine layout, being cross-in-square, with a three-aisled nave with the central aisle higher than the flanking ones. The octagonal dome was originally supported by four columns, but the se were replaced in the 19th century by piers. It is a small structure, just 7.6 metres (25 ft) long and 12.2 metres (40 ft) wide.The walls are built exclusively of reused marble spolia, comprising undecorated masonry up to the height of the windows, and featuring a total of ninety sculptures above that; this feature makes the church unique among Byzantine sacred architecture. Unlike common practice in contemporary Byzantine architecture, no bricks have been used, except for the dome. Its interior was originally decorated entirely with frescoes, but only one of these survives today: an image of the Panagia over the entrance apse

  • 5/5 Irina K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The small old church of Theotokos Gorgoepikous and Agios Eleftherius is hidden behind the Cathedral on Metropolitan Square. To see this church, you need to go around the cathedral on the right side. (Original) Маленькая старинная церковь Феотокос Горгоепикоус и Агиос Елефтериус скрыта за Кафедральным собором на площади Митрополеус. Чтобы увидеть эту церковь, надо обойти собор с правой стороны.

  • 5/5 Daniele 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful, wonderful details of the ancient and medieval bas-reliefs on the external walls! (Original) Meravigliosa, stupendi i dettagli dei bassorilievi antichi e medievali sulle mura esterne!

  • 5/5 Danai B. 4 years ago on Google
    So nice and unique! The embedded ancient pieces of antiquities makes the difference.

  • 5/5 Kapios m. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Worth a visit by everyone (Original) Αξιζει μια επισκεψη απο ολους

  • 5/5 motoaki y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Greek Orthodox Church beside the cathedral. There is no modernity or fancy, but it is very interesting. (Original) 大聖堂の横に佇むギリシャ正教会。モダンさや派手さはないが非常に気を引かれます。

  • 5/5 marilena y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Gorgeous (Original) Bellissima

  • 4/5 Hector Carlos O. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The location of this church is a surprise. The visit can be short when you walk through the Mitropoleos towards the Cathedral. (Original) Es toda una sorpresa la ubicación de esta iglesia. La visita puede ser corta cuando se pasee por la Mitropoleos hacia la Catedral.

  • 5/5 ciolpan c. 4 years ago on Google
    ???

  • 5/5 Emme T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Athens Monastiraki square. (Original) Atene piazza Monastiraki.

  • 3/5 Dusan D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I don't really have to have those Orthodox churches. They are too dark for me. The little one is better. (Original) Já ty pravoslavné kostely moc nemusím. Na mne jsou moc tmavě. Ten malý je lepší.

  • 5/5 Joke W. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Historical (Original) Historisch

  • 5/5 Breno B. 4 years ago on Google
    Splendid place.

  • 5/5 laurent f. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice little church to the right of the cathedral. A small passage is essential. (Original) Très belle petite église a droite de la cathédrale. Un petit passage s y impose.

  • 4/5 daniel v. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Superb beautiful interior (Original) Superbe intérieur magnifique

  • 5/5 John T. 4 years ago on Google
    Very religious

  • 5/5 Jacek D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Interesting architecture. (Original) Ciekawa architektura.

  • 4/5 Sawsan D. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place

  • 5/5 Ουρανία 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Peace of mind !!! (Original) Ηρεμία ψυχής!!!

  • 4/5 Ιωάννης �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) special temple made of ancient greek pieces ... (Original) ιδιαίτερος ναός κατασκευασμένος από αρχαιοελληνικά κομμάτια ...

  • 5/5 Thomas G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice and calm. (Original) Красиво и спокойно.

  • 5/5 Andrey V. S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church!

  • 4/5 Thomas Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful All Hours of the Day. (Original) Υπέροχο Όλες Τής Όρες Τής Ημέρας.

  • 5/5 ברוך �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) amazing place (Original) מקום מדהים

  • 5/5 Jeremy T. 4 years ago on Google
    A lovely little Byzantine church next to the huge Metropolitan Church of Athens

  • 5/5 Alba G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Precious (Original) Preciosa


Call +30 21 0322 1308 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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