Church of St. Eleutherius, Athens

Embark on a journey to the Metropolitan Square ("Plateia Mitropoleos"), where you'll encounter not only the Athens Cathedral but also its smaller yet historically significant neighbor, the Church of Saint Eleutherius. This charming structure, also known as the Small Cathedral, is dedicated to the protector of women during childbirth and dates back to the 12th century. At that time, Athens was no more than a village, and the church modestly measures 7.5 meters (25 feet) in length by 12 meters (40 feet) in width, entirely fashioned from Pentelic marble, which has acquired a rich, corn-colored hue over time.

The architectural intrigue lies in the fact that a substantial portion of the building materials used were recycled from earlier structures, many of which had already been intricately carved and sculpted. The result is a church that exudes Byzantine style while incorporating decorative elements such as friezes and bas-reliefs that harken back to the more ancient Classical era. As you explore the exterior walls, you'll encounter sections of Greek and Roman columns, along with fragments of ornate carvings.

Tip:
One of the nicest surprises in Athens is discovering these ancient churches nestled amidst modern buildings. To capture a striking photograph that contrasts the old and new, position yourself with your back to the main cathedral near the front or rear corner of the Church of Saint Eleutherius.