Metropolitan Cathedral of AthensAbout Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral of Athens and the seat of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. Construction took place in the mid 19th century, largely completed between 1842 and 1862.
The cathedral functions as the focal point for national religious ceremonies and major Orthodox services. Its urban setting and large scale make it a frequent stop for those interested in modern Greek ecclesiastical architecture and Orthodox liturgy.
Built in the mid 1800s for the newly independent Greek state, the cathedral replaced several earlier churches on the site and has served as the city’s principal episcopal church since its completion. The building has been maintained and refurbished periodically but retains its 19th-century core structure.
Sited on Mitropoleos Street in central Athens, the cathedral occupies Mitropoleos Square in the historic center of the city, within easy walking distance of archaeological sites and the commercial districts of Monastiraki and Ermou.
- Visiting tip: Best seen outside major liturgies to view the interior artwork and icons without crowds.
- Location note: Located immediately on Mitropoleos Street, it is within short walking distance of other central Athens sites such as Monastiraki and Syntagma.
Nearby Attractions to Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
Best Time to Visit Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
Best time: spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) for milder weather and smaller crowds when visiting the cathedral.
Weather & Climate near Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 7° - 13° | 8° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 13° | 8° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 20° | 16° | 33 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 18 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 9 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 33° | 28° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 32° | 27° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 19° - 29° | 24° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The Metropolitan Cathedral (Mitropoli) is in central Athens, adjacent to Mitropoleos/Mitropoleos Square. It’s a short walk from Monastiraki metro station (Lines 1 and 3) and also easily reached on foot from Syntagma (metro Lines 2 and 3) and the historic Plaka area; the airport’s metro Line 3 runs directly to Monastiraki for a straightforward transfer.
Tips for Visiting Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
- Visit first thing after opening to avoid tour groups from Syntagma and to see the interior and iconostasis in quieter conditions before liturgies start.
- Enter from Mitropoleos Street (the main central square) and allow extra time to view the cathedral treasury and icons; note that services can restrict access to parts of the interior.
- Many tourists focus on the exterior; make sure to check the cathedral's opening times for its small treasury/museum so you don't miss the ecclesiastical artifacts.