Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea
Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea, Byzantine church in central Athens, Greece
Kapnikarea Church is a Byzantine structure located on Ermou Street in central Athens. It features a central dome supported by four columns, with marble decorations integrated into its walls and entrance areas.
The structure was built in the 11th century on top of an ancient Greek temple foundation dedicated to either Athena or Demeter. This site held sacred meaning for Athenians for centuries before the church was constructed.
The church serves as a spiritual center for university students and local worshippers who gather here regularly throughout the year. Its dedication to the Virgin Mary reflects its role as an important place of prayer in the heart of the city.
The church sits on Ermou Street, the main shopping avenue of central Athens, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors can enter during daylight hours and should dress respectfully when inside.
In 1834, the church narrowly escaped demolition when Ermou Street was being constructed, saved only by intervention from King Ludwig I of Bavaria. This remarkable rescue shows how a foreign monarch valued this Byzantine landmark enough to protect it during urban development.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Hadrian's Library
236 m
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
173 m
Monastiraki Square
238 m
Agios Eleftherios Church, Athens
190 m
Tzistarakis Mosque
230 m
Pantanassa church
220 m
The Mitropoleos square
143 m
Church of Saint Irene of Athens
101 m
Benizelos Mansion
252 m
Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
230 m
Former Medrese in the Ancient Roman Agora
230 m
Vespasianae of Athens
259 m
Pantheon of Athens
189 m
Aiolos Hotel
210 m
House of Chatzikyriakou
256 m
Lassanis house
232 m
Hotel Byron
140 m
Mastermind Escape Rooms
150 m
Mister. E Escape Rooms
234 m
Lockholic | Escape rooms
199 m
Maria Callas Museum
214 m
Damaskinos (statue)
127 m
Agia Irini Square
107 m
Constantine XI Palaiologos statue
121 m
Stoa Pyrrou
45 m
Stoa Koniari-Mela
33 m
Neoclassical diorofi katoikia me katastimata, Aiolou 1
238 m
House of Koutzalexis
233 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes