Athens Religions and Byzantine Empire
Discover the main religious icons in Athens
- WITH
- Elena | about the guide
Since the Antiquity, religion is a prominent part of the Greek lives, being included into social and political life with its rights, duties and rites. During the two thousand years of the Byzantine Empire,Orthodox Christianity was the main religion in Greece. 98% of the Greek people are known commonly as Greek Orthodox. In Athens there are represented more than one Christian denomination, through the existence of relative churches like the Catholic, the Anglican, the Evangelical. The tour can include one of them only after a request and must be organized beforehand. During this exclusive tour combining walking and car riding, you will discover the religious foundations of Athens through the discovery of beautiful examples of Byzantine art. Your expert guide will explain you the differences between the main religions in Greece - Orthodox, Catholic,and Anglican and their history. You start with the visit of the Kaisariani monastery, a Byzantine architectural gem built in the 11th century and perched at 350 meters on a hill surrounded by pine trees. You will continue with a guided tour in the magnificent Museum of Byzantine Art, which will take you through 10 centuries of Christian art thanks its many remains including sculptures, engravings and paintings. Then, you'll head to the Areopagus hill located nearby the Acropolis. This big blue granite block was once the place where was held the Supreme Court of Cassation of Greece. But it is also famous for hosting the Saint-Paul's religious speech in favor of the Christian religion. Your tour will end with a visit inside the Catholic Cathedral of Athens built in the 19th century (or inside the Anglican Church of St. Paul).
-
Athens
Greece -
1 day
DURATION -
8
MAX. No. ON TOUR
TOUR DETAILS
- keywords :
- Athens religious, Athens Byzantine Empire, Athens religious visit Athens religions, Athens Kaisariani Monastery, Athens hill of the Areopagus, Athens Byzantine Art Museum
- transport :
- Private minivan and by walk
- ACTIVITY LEVEL :
- Light
- ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED :
- yes
- Kid friendly :
- Children are welcome
- LANGUAGES:
- Italien/Italian (fluent), Anglais/English (Bilingual)
- MAX. No. OF PEOPLE :
- 8
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Services of a professional private guide for 5-6 hours - Private transport in a comfortable minivan - Entrance fees to the Kaisariani Monastery and the Museum of Byzantine Art
NOT INCLUDED
- Shopping
ITINERARY
You will join your local guide directly at your hotel where your journey through Athens religious history will begin. You will first head to Mount Hymettus, a little haven of peace located 350 meters high and housing the magnificent Byzantine Kaisariani Monastery. After visiting the monastery, you will visit the Museum of Byzantine Art for a guided walk to discover a millennium of history. Afterwards, you will stroll to the Areopagus hill nearby the Acropolis. Your last stop will be the Athens Catholic Cathedral or the Anglican Church of St. Paul (you will choose according to your aspirations).
WHERE AND WHEN?
- MEET-UP LOCATION:
- Your hotel in the center of Athens
- END OF TOUR LOCATION:
- Your hotel in the center of Athens
about
your guide
Elena
Athens
- languages :
- Italien/Italian, Anglais/English
Born and raised in Athens, I have always been passionate about the Ancient Greek civilization and mythology. As a child, travelling to different archeological sites with my parents turned my passion into a obvious vocation. Graduated in Archaeology and Art History from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, I also attended the ”Tour Guides’ School of Athens” where I got my guiding license, doubled with a certificate for Translations of Literature and Humanistic Studies from EKEMEL (National Centre of Literature Translation), enabling me to guide in Greek, English and Italian. After guiding in different parts of Greece (Olympia, ancient Messene, Methoni, Koroni, Pylos, Mani), I decided to go back to my beautiful city of Athens to show its treasures to visitors coming from all around the world. Sharing my knowledge with people and immersing them in the true atmosphere of Athens is what makes my job so interesting. Athens is not only an old city living in the past. It is also a vibrant and modern capital where history and traditions blend harmoniously with contemporary innovations. If my favorite theme remains archeology, I enjoy talking as well about everything related to the Greek culture - from gastronomy to economy and everyday life. I also love meeting with children and adapting my tours to their needs using stories and games; it is truly fascinating to discover the city through their eyes.
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