Moni Dafniou

Around Athens


Lovers of mosaics will be dazzled by the glittering gold scenes in the 11th-century main church here, a listed Unesco site. The work was likely done by craftspeople from Constantinople, showing the fluidity of styles between here and the Islamic Empire. In the apse are portions of geometric decoration of the kind popular in Islamic buildings further east – just as, say, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus features Byzantine-style gold-backed mosaic scenes. Pay attention to the opening hours.

Restoration work is nearly complete. When the Ministry of Culture takes control of the finished project (at an unknown future date), the site is expected to be open six days a week, with an admission fee. Confirm details with the tourism office before you leave Athens.

It's possible to combine a visit to the monastery with one to Elefsina, as they are on the same A16 bus line (departs from Agia Marina metro stop); you can also take the 866 or 811 from Koumoundourou. On the access road to the monastery are a decent cafe and a free, shady botanical garden.

Transportation

  • bus: 811, 866 or A16 to Psychiatreion

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Around Athens attractions

1. Electric Railways Museum

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2. Hellenic Cosmos

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3. Benaki Museum at 138 Pireos St

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5. Old OSY Depot

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6. Melina Merkouri Cultural Centre

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7. Municipal Gallery of Athens

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8. Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos

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Visit the small museum at Kerameikos to see the originals of some pieces that are shown in replica around the historical site: delicate grave stelae …

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