Photo: Orestis Seferoglou

The Daphni Monastery

Photo: Orestis Seferoglou

A Unesco World Heritage Site with exquisite architecture and stunning mosaics.

When was it built

In the 6th century, although all surviving buildings are from the 11th century.

What's the story

A stunning example of Byzantine architecture and religious iconography.

Why it's important

The church interior as a whole depicts the universe, with the dome as heaven and the floor as earth. The mosaics around the dome depict the life of Christ.

Must-see

Agios Nikolaos, a small 9th-century basilica in the monastery cemetery.

Fun fact

Traces of the ancient temple survived the Goths’ trampling in the 4th century, but not Lord Elgin’s visit in the 19th. The British peer removed all of the columns except one, which today is part of the narthex colonnade.

Photo: Orestis Seferoglou

Info

End of Iera Odos, Haidari, 124 61
+30 210 581 1558
Website
Refer to the website for opening hours and ticket prices.

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

The Daphni Monastery

A Unesco World Heritage Site with exquisite architecture and stunning mosaics.