Church of Sts. Theodores, Athens

Nestled amidst the bustling modern office buildings near Klauthmonos Square, at the crossroads of Evripidou and Skouleniou streets in central Athens, you'll discover this unassuming 11th-century church that still stands as a remarkable testament to the past.

At the site where this church now stands, there once existed a smaller church, as evidenced by an inscription embedded in the western wall. The same inscription informs us that the present church was commissioned by Nikolaos Kalomalos, holding the rank of 'spatharocandidatus' in the Byzantine Court. Another inscription provides insight into the church's foundation date, pointing to either 1049 or 1065.

The exterior is adorned with layers of stones and bricks, featuring kufic motifs. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a tiled dome and, despite years of candle smoke, walls adorned with a lovely terracotta frieze depicting animals and plants.

Tip:
For a delightful dining experience, venture behind the church to discover the KALDERIMI taverna, where you can savor authentic Greek cuisine at its finest. Every dish is freshly prepared and utterly delicious. The taverna features hand-painted tables along a pedestrian street, creating a tranquil oasis in one of the city's liveliest areas.