The most complete information guide about Athens, Greece
Churches in Athens
Agia Anna Saint
Anna
Walking
uphill along Dioskouron street towards Anafiotika, you’ll
see the small church of Saint Anna on the left. According to the
writings of several 17th century travelers, there used to be an
older church on the site, also dedicated to Saint Anna. The present
single-nave, barrel-vaulted building is slightly more recent.
The
church was built on the remains of the Pythion, an ancient temple
dedicated to Artemis and Apollo-Pythios. Inside the temple there
used to be a sculpture of Artemis Eileithyia, goddess of child-birth.
Saint Anna was also believed to protect expectant mothers. The
choice of this location and these beliefs are indicative of the
fusion of religions encountered so frequently in Athens.
Dioskouron street
Monastiraki
For
typical words, please consult our Greek
glossary.