Agia Irini Church
Agia Irini Church
4.5
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- Monastiraki • 3 min walk
- Panepistimio • 8 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
15
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3
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permia
Ireland64,714 contributions
Feb 2020
In the optimism following Independence from the Moslem Ottomans there was a concerted programme of church building. This great construct was started in the mid 1840s and the interior was finalised in the early 1890s.
Standing opposite provides a marvellous vista of the expansive edifice in pleasing hues of lightness. A double belfry bound a pediment of simplicity with only a circle of bas-reliefs at centre.
Stepping inside, even though only in ambient light, was to see impressive and inspiring features. A vista along the nave, bordered by columns and arches, brings one to the wonderful iconostasis.
Frescoes and icons are at the spiritual core of the tranquil extensive space.
Standing opposite provides a marvellous vista of the expansive edifice in pleasing hues of lightness. A double belfry bound a pediment of simplicity with only a circle of bas-reliefs at centre.
Stepping inside, even though only in ambient light, was to see impressive and inspiring features. A vista along the nave, bordered by columns and arches, brings one to the wonderful iconostasis.
Frescoes and icons are at the spiritual core of the tranquil extensive space.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,165 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
One thing Greece is not short of is churches. The 19th century Church of Agia Irini was Athen’s first cathedral and King Otto, the first king of Greece, was crowned here in 1835.
Ultimately it was not considered big enough or grand enough to be the city’s cathedral and a new purpose-built Metropolitan Church replaced it instead.
The church is located quite close to Monastiraki Square and Irinis Square, out the front, is a popular outdoor space with cafes and restaurants.
The church itself is a large cream and white coloured building with a tall spire on each side. It’s an attractive church and entry is free although it was closed when we walked past. It was still worth stopping briefly and walking under the three large arches at the front. The portico roof is decorated with a vivid blue domes covered in golden stars.
I didn’t know anything about St Irene, but later learnt that she was born in the 4th century, and is remembered mainly for her ability to convert people. No shrinking violet, she approached her religion with zeal and is said to have converted over 10,000 pagans. Of course, this brought her to the attention of the authorities who pressed her to recant. Not one to buckle under pressure, she steadfastly refused and, like many saints, was tortured for her beliefs. She is now celebrated in Greece as one of the great martyrs.
It is worth noting that there is another TA listing for this same church under ‘Holy Church of Saint Irene’.
Ultimately it was not considered big enough or grand enough to be the city’s cathedral and a new purpose-built Metropolitan Church replaced it instead.
The church is located quite close to Monastiraki Square and Irinis Square, out the front, is a popular outdoor space with cafes and restaurants.
The church itself is a large cream and white coloured building with a tall spire on each side. It’s an attractive church and entry is free although it was closed when we walked past. It was still worth stopping briefly and walking under the three large arches at the front. The portico roof is decorated with a vivid blue domes covered in golden stars.
I didn’t know anything about St Irene, but later learnt that she was born in the 4th century, and is remembered mainly for her ability to convert people. No shrinking violet, she approached her religion with zeal and is said to have converted over 10,000 pagans. Of course, this brought her to the attention of the authorities who pressed her to recant. Not one to buckle under pressure, she steadfastly refused and, like many saints, was tortured for her beliefs. She is now celebrated in Greece as one of the great martyrs.
It is worth noting that there is another TA listing for this same church under ‘Holy Church of Saint Irene’.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJF60
Sintra, Portugal60 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
It was the first time I entered an Orthodox church when a celebration was taking place. The beauty of the church is undeniable and I honestly felt at peace as you listen to the songs that 3 priests (or monks) sang. I did not understand what they said but the musicality allied to the beauty of the place captivated me
Written 4 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veros G
Athens, Greece238 contributions
Agia Irini church is a medieval church which was damaged during the Greek war for independence. It was rebuilt in 1850 and is one of the oldest big churches of Athens. Its wall painting is very interesting. The atmosphere is a little claustrophobic and dark. It might helps praying. The decoration differs from other churches in Athens. Despite the vibrant bar coffee shop and restaurants around it, the church isn't very tourist friendly. Photos are forbidden and women with very apocalyptic dressing during summer may be prevented from entering.
Plan your visit during the morning Sunday mass.
Around the church's courtyard are many bar and restaurants which attract mainly regular customers and are affordable. I had a dinner and the place was full of locals and a few tourists. Definitely you won't find tourist traps like a few hundred meters further away. The area is safe for kids and seniors.
Plan your visit during the morning Sunday mass.
Around the church's courtyard are many bar and restaurants which attract mainly regular customers and are affordable. I had a dinner and the place was full of locals and a few tourists. Definitely you won't find tourist traps like a few hundred meters further away. The area is safe for kids and seniors.
Written 12 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,570 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
The "Agia Irini Church", built in 1846, is an excellent example of a Greek Orthodox Church in the Byzantine style and was Athen's main Cathedral for many years. It is located on the beautiful and busy "Agia Irini Square", with newly renovated neoclassical buildings, converted into hotels, bars, cafés and restaurants. Visit the Church, the Square and enjoy Athens' 2018 Summer hottest spot, with its cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere. Enjoy!
Written 6 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_johnjp65_
London, UK3 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Lovely church in the center of athens. The church itself is beautiful, although what makes it so special is the square around it. It is full of cafes and restaurants in which to cool off after a long day of sightseeing. Great place in an even better location!
Written 4 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B d A
Athens, Greece1,004 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
The area is profuse, commercial, 'Venetian', jewel studded. Pre-modernity structure ambiential, imposing, mystical, unique in the deprived and depraved ecclesiastical Greek capital. Despote the rhetorics Athens lacks a consistent ecclesiastical plumage. This is of its finest accoutrements to be a taken in consjunction with Kapnikarea, Chryssospiliotissa and some more remote edifices. Eclectic structure.
Written 14 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
We had the good fortune to visit Ayia Irini Church during Easter week, during our two week stay in a nearby hotel, in Athens. It's a really lovely church with beautiful architecture features and icons. It's only about two minutes walk from Monastiraki square. It's surrounded by many other buildings, but there are many shops, cafes and restaurants in the area too. Very nice.
Written 4 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aris K
316 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
Agia Irini is a medium size church in Aiolou street very close to Monastiraki square. It has an unusual architecture that combines neoclassical, renaissance and byzantine style and its dark interior creates a very mystical atmosphere, as a dramatic light goes down from the windows of the dome. One of the most beautiful churches I have seen in Athens, worth visiting thanks to its high spiritual and serene interior. But make sure to dress properly, as shorts and mini skirts are not allowed inside.
Written 18 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tasso P
Athens, Greece350 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
I find the church of St. Irini and its square an enchanting place to visit during your strolling in Athens. Located in a pedestrian area it is a pleasure to walk around it and discover old and new Athens. The church was built after the Independence of Greece in 1847, and marble and stone elements from old temples and byzantine churches were used during its construction and it was used as the first cathedral of Greece where the official celebrations by the 1st King of Greece, King Othon were taking place. The internal decoration is representative of the German Nazarene expression with murals (1884-88) by Thiersch’s student Spyridon Xatzigiannopoulos.
Next to the church you will find a lively square full of outdoors cafes, bars, and small bistros, open day and night, which have become the in place to be for the younger and older Athenian alike. Agia Irini can easily be reach by foot from Syndagma or Omonia squares or by metro (Monastiraki station)
Next to the church you will find a lively square full of outdoors cafes, bars, and small bistros, open day and night, which have become the in place to be for the younger and older Athenian alike. Agia Irini can easily be reach by foot from Syndagma or Omonia squares or by metro (Monastiraki station)
Written 2 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, what times are the services on Sundays?
Written 9 February 2018
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