On the Byzantine trail of Athens on May 24

The fifth Open Walk Athens (OWA), an initiative by the urban group atenistas, is focused on lesser known parts of Athens. This time, the focus is on Byzantine Athens, with free admission to a number of Byzantine monuments from 11.20 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Byzantine treasures in all their glory can be seen by the public in the heart of Athens. Admire the Byzantine basilicas of Athens or explore hidden spots, such as the underground library of Saint Eleoussa that has a netherworld feel right in the heart of Athens.

Those taking part take a map, and begin their trek from St. Eleftherios chapel at the side of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Metropolis Square, before following the directions around 17 venues that are free, open to the public and full of events such as tours and interactive games.

Presentations-Talks

1. Admission to the historic Athens route in the years of Byzantium by Nikolaos Moschonas, head of the National Research Foundation (11.30 a.m. Agios Eleftherios Chapel).
2. The Byzantium and the Ancient World. The creation of the Virgin of Athiniotissas within the Parthenon by Nikolaos Moschonas (1 p.m. in front of the Panagia Grigorousa at the Roman Agora)
3. Byzantine music and a journey through time with Byzantine Music Lecturer Konstantinos Moutafis (2 p.m. Holy Church of Panagia Kapnikarea, Ermou St.)
4. The art of hagiography in theory and practice by hagiographer Sophia Triantafyllou (11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. at St. Dimitrios Loumbardiaris Church, off D. Areopagitou Street)

 Venues

* Panagia Gorgoepikoos – St. Eleftherios Chapel – Small Metropolis Cathedral of Athens (starting point)\
* Kapnikarea, Ermou Street
* St. Asomati, Thisseion
* St. Apostoloi Solaki
* Soteira Lykodimou – Russian Church
* St. Dimitris Loumbardiaris, off D. Areopagitou St.
* Holy Church of the Assumption of Theotokos Pantanassis
* St. Theodoroi
* Megali Panagia
* Naos Pammegiston Taxiarhon – Panagia Grigorousa
* Holy Salvation (Agia Sotiria) of Kottaki
* St. Ekaterini
* St. Nikolaos Ragava
* Metamorfosis of Sotiros Acropolis
* St. Marina Thisseion
* St. Eleoussa
* Panagia Athiniotissa