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Greece/Things to Do in Athens, couple trip

Byzantine and Christian Museum (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Byzantine and Christian Museum?

79%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Quiet icon halls and shaded 19th-century gardens plus on-site café create a relaxed, romantic cultural outing that is easy to fit around other Athens sights.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 4,795 reviews)

Positives:

  • Romantic garden interludes: The shaded Villa Ilissia grounds offer a fragrant, private pause between galleries.
  • Free bilingual leaflets: Pick up thematic guides at the entrance to tailor your own couple’s tour.

Challenges:

  • Limited evening hours: The museum closes at 5 pm (7 pm in summer), so plan early to avoid rushing.
  • Audio guide availability: No official audio guide; consider downloading a third-party app or joining a private tour.
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🏖️ Explore Byzantine and Christian Museum with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Byzantine and Christian Museum. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Byzantine and Christian Museum?

  • The museum houses nearly 3,000 icons, frescoes, sculptures and liturgical objects spanning the 4th to the 20th centuries.
  • It occupies the neoclassical Villa Ilissia, adapted in 1914 from a 19th-century private residence and set within formal Ilissos gardens.
  • The museum functions as a research and conservation centre, collecting and preserving Byzantine and post-Byzantine cultural heritage.

What is so special about Byzantine and Christian Museum for couple trip?

  1. Trace 1,700 years of Christian art across Byzantine and post-Byzantine wings
  2. Stroll the aromatic, themed Villa Ilissia gardens
  3. Recharge over Greek desserts and coffee in the courtyard café
  4. Pick up free leaflets for a self-guided, themed exploration
  5. Browse unique reproduction icons and art prints at the shop

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to see the main Byzantine galleries, explore the post-Byzantine wing, stroll the Villa Ilissia gardens and enjoy a coffee break.

(View Byzantine and Christian Museum on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Byzantine and Christian Museum

Explore Byzantine permanent galleries:

Walk through 20 halls of frescoes, icons and liturgical objects from the 4th–15th centuries.

Tip: Start in gallery 1 and follow the chronological route to grasp artistic evolution.

Visit the "From Byzantium to Contemporary" wing:

Discover post-Byzantine art from the 15th to 20th centuries.

Tip: Spend extra time by the modern icon displays where mixed media pieces stand out.

Stroll Villa Ilissia gardens:

Wander the themed areas—Well-Cistern, Paradise and River Ilissos.

Tip: Go in the morning to catch fragrant herbs and avoid midday heat.

Relax at Ilissia Café-Bistro:

Enjoy coffee, Greek desserts or a light lunch in the shaded courtyard.

Tip: Order a local pastry and sit by the fountain for a quiet moment together.

Browse the museum shop:

Find postcards, guidebooks and reproduction icons.

Tip: Look for limited-edition art prints that make unique keepsakes.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Byzantine and Christian Museum

  1. Arrive at opening time: Beat the small mid-morning crowd and have first access to the galleries.
  2. Combine museum tickets: Buy the multi-museum combo (€15) to visit nearby archaeological sites over three days.
🏖️ Tour Byzantine and Christian Museum like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Byzantine and Christian Museum. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Byzantine and Christian Museum

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Steven dos Remedios

Steven dos Remedios

Nov 2025

This is a world class museum for fans of Byzantine and early Christian artifacts. Their collection of icons is superb and they are presented in chronological order which reveals changes in pigments and techniques. There are several rare depictions of Mary nursing Jesus.

Michał Michał

Michał Michał

Oct 2025

Must-visit place to understand Athens not only from an ancient perspective. Suprisingly a big collection even thou Thessaloniki were more important for Byzantine Empire. Again not a fan of Greece's museum policies. I'm trying to respect the fact these things may still be read in a religious context but discussion with a security guard only because back of my wifes head appeared in a corner of a p...

JJ G

JJ G

Oct 2025

I was surprised to learn that when it became the capital of the newly-independent Greek state in 1934, Athens only had 700 inhabitants. Villa Ilissia, built for the Duchess of Plaisance, was one of the first buildings to be built in the new capital. Villa Ilissia now houses the Byzantine and Christian Museum, which traces the history of the Byzantine Empire from its founding to its fall in 1453. ...

George Syros

George Syros

Oct 2025

These halls display how the middle ages were far from dark in the eastern Mediterranean. The collection is largely ecclesiastical, as the various invaders of the empire left little else untouched. Nevertheless, the coin collection with the chronological depiction / succession of emperors is quite impressive. Wonderful building with a pleasant courtyard and a café-restaurant that could be an attrac...

CJW

CJW

Jul 2025

Beautifully presented museum with very well displayed pieces. Some good explainers accompanying the works and all presented in chronological order as you make your way through the museum. Highly recommended for anyone of a curious mind (me) but with limited knowledge of the period (also me) but it informed and educated really well.

When is the best time to visit Byzantine and Christian Museum (Athens, Greece)?

In spring and autumn the gardens bloom and temperatures are mild. In summer, plan indoor gallery time at midday and use the shaded café. Winter visits are quieter—take advantage of empty halls.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Athens on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission for two adultsEUR 16
Coffee and snack for twoEUR 20
Total EstimatedEUR 36

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Byzantine and Christian Museum

Address: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75, Greece

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About Byzantine and Christian Museum

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday:8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+30 21 3213 9517

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