This church, better known as Agia Sotira, is situated between
Kydathenaeion and Sotiros Streets in Plaka. It has its festival
on the day of the Transfiguration of the Savior. The church was
named after the Kottakis family who are extensively mentioned
in legal documents of the mid-18th century but seem to have been
in Athens long before then.
The
original cell of the church is a domed cross-in-square that dates
back to the end of the 10th century. In theory, it is one of the
earliest Byzantine churches in Athens. The large semicircular
apses on the eastern side and the cross-shaped arrangement of
the roof are the only remains of the original church.
During
the Greek War of Independence, the church suffered extensive damage.
Between 1827 and 1855 it functioned as the parish for the Russian
community of Athens, later transferred to the nearby Church of
the Savior of Lykodemos, now known as the Russian Church.
During
that time as well as in 1908 and 1917, the church underwent significant
repairs that altered its form. The bell tower was built in 1908.
Kydathineion and Sotiros Streets - Plaka
Acropoli For
typical words, please consult our Greek
Glossary
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Acropoli
For
typical words, please consult our 
