Kapnikarea Church
The Kapnikarea Church ( Greek Εκκλησία της Παναγίας Καπνικαρέας ) is a Middle Byzantine cross- domed church from the 11th century in Athens . It is consecrated to Our Lady and is located on a square on the Odos Ermou.
The church was built on the foundations of an ancient temple. The name probably goes back to the profession of the founder ('Kapnikaris'). The heart-shaped foliage on the capitals of the columns on the windows is characteristic. The demolition of the church was planned in 1834, but Ludwig von Bayern was able to convince his son Otto , the king of Greece, of the art-historical importance of the church. Reconstruction elsewhere was also considered. Finally, Hermesstrasse (Ermou) was laid out around the church.
Web links
- Kapnikarea Church on the pages of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism (English, Greek)
Coordinates: 37 ° 58 ′ 34.9 " N , 23 ° 43 ′ 42.9" E