Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

An indifferent today but once famous office building of post-war Athens is situated opposite the medieval Byzantine church of Kapnikarea on Ermou Street in downtown Athens. Designed by architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1958, the building introduced the innovation of the glass facade (curtain wall), which was soon emulated in many parts of the city center.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall stop to buy a traditional Greek koulouri from a street vendor in central Athens, Thursday. Under tight security, the royal couple visited the 11th-century Church of Panagia Kapnikarea on Ermou Street in the capital's busy shopping district and stopped for an iced coffee at Aghia Eirini Square. [EPA]

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall strolled through central Athens on their way to visit the 11th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kapnikarea on Thursday, after the former's meeting with Archbishop Ieronymos at the Archbishopric of Athens, in the second day of the royal couple's official visit to Greece.

Greece might be going through one of the worst economic crises since in its modern history, but the tourists visiting the sun-drenched country see no signs of strife around them, according to Reuters.

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.