Byzantine and Christian Museum (solo trip)

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.

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...

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. ...

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...

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.