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Churches in Athens
Agia Marina (Saint
Marina)
The
impressive church of Saint Marina (Agia Marina) in Thissio is
situated on the Hill of the Nymphs near the Observatory. The church’s
foundations were laid in 1922 based on the architectural drawings
of Achilleas Georgiadis on the site of an older, 19th century,
church.
In
its present form, the church has a cruciform plan with a dome
in the middle and four smaller domes on the corners. The interior
was decorated by mural paintings during the 1930s, mostly by the
painter Graikos and Kandris. This was also when the wooden screen
was crafted, designed by the architect Georgios Nomikos. The mural
paintings form a rare example of religious painting in Greece,
influenced by the Jugendstil of Central Europe.
South-east
of the church is a small Byzantine church carved into the rock,
next to the one the new church was built on. This small church
was also dedicated to Saint Marina. It must have been built between
the 11th and 12th century. Wall paintings dating back to the 17th
and 19th century were found inside. Most of them were removed
and placed on the northern part of the new church. The smaller
church’s side walls still have several 17th century mural
paintings.
The
location of the church had been associated with the religious
practices related to childbirth and child health. Expectant mothers
and those with sick babies would come here to pray for safe labor
or for the cure of their children. Pregnant women actually used
to crawl over a steep cliff in order to make their wish for a
safe labor come true. On 17 July, a celebration for Saint Marina
is held in this area.
Corner of Pygmalionos and Agias Marinas streets
Thissio
For
typical words, please consult our Greek
glossary.