traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
Greece/Things to Do in Athens, couple trip

Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary (couple trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Couple-Friendly is Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary?

80%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Couples can admire ornate architecture together, light candles, photograph in Mitropoleos Square and attend liturgy, yet lack of seating privacy and limited on-site extras keep it slightly short of perfect.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 9,168 reviews)

Positives:

  • Architectural blend: Admire the Greco-Byzantine dome, neoclassical columns, and ornate iconostasis together.
  • Shared ritual: Lighting candles side by side offers a meaningful experience for couples.
  • Photo moments: Mitropoleos Square has benches and vantage points for romantic shots.

Challenges:

  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; bring a scarf or shawl.
  • Quiet space: Maintain silence during services to respect worshippers.
  • Accessibility: The crypt has stairs and no elevator; not ideal for mobility issues.
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary image 1
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary image 2
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary image 3
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary image 4
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary image 5
🏖️ Explore Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary?

  • A 19th-century cathedral begun in 1842 that serves as the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation and the official seat of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece
  • A three-aisled basilica blending Greco-Byzantine and Neoclassical styles, featuring a copper-covered dome and twin bell towers
  • A sculpted marble iconostasis and vibrant frescoes by noted artists define the interior, while an underground crypt houses revered relics

What is so special about Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary for couple trip?

  1. Free entry to explore 19th-century Greco-Byzantine architecture
  2. Shared candle lighting ritual enhances couple bonding
  3. Attend a service for an authentic cultural experience
  4. Relax and take photos in Mitropoleos Square after your visit

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore the cathedral and nearby square at a relaxed pace.

(View Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Admire Greco-Byzantine architecture:

Walk around inside and outside to see the copper dome, twin bell towers, and marble iconostasis.

Tip: Start outside to capture the full façade before entering.

Light a ritual candle:

Purchase small paraffin candles (€1 each) and place them before an icon together.

Tip: Buy two candles at the stand and set them side by side for a shared moment.

Attend a service:

Join Saturday Great Vespers (4 PM) or Sunday Divine Liturgy (10 AM) free of charge.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to find a seat near the iconostasis.

Photograph Mitropoleos Square:

Relax on benches opposite the church and frame the cathedral in your shots.

Tip: Capture golden hour light on the dome for the best photos.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

  1. Early visit: Arrive before 10 AM to enjoy the space before mid-day crowds.
  2. Combine nearby sights: Pair with a stroll through Plaka, five minutes on foot south of the square.
  3. Check service times: Plan around Saturday Vespers or Sunday Liturgy for cultural immersion.
🏖️ Tour Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Powered by Google
Justice Kali Di Quartuccio

Justice Kali Di Quartuccio

Nov 2025

Cathedral Mitropolis open daily except Monday. 11am - 6 pm. Considered the Greek Vatican, this is the best thing to see in Athens. Outside is a statute of archbishop damaskinos who spoke against the nazi treatment of Jews during WWII. He was mocked by Nazis and never lost his cool. Post war, he was the unofficial prime minister. His right hand forms the four letters I, C,X, C. This is short for J...

Juan Terra

Juan Terra

Nov 2025

The Church stands out with its tall façade, elegant details, and wide steps leading up to the entrance. Even from the outside, it feels grand and important. The square around it is open and pleasant, with enough space to look at the church from different angles. It’s a solid, impressive landmark right in the center of Athens.

Joan Cartales

Joan Cartales

Oct 2025

This is the national cathedral for the country of Greece. The cathedral itself is imposing and beautiful. It dates from around 1860, after the Greek War of Independence. The decorations in the cathedral are ornate and beautifully wrought, and the architecture reflects the sacred feeling of hhe space. If you light a candle, please leave an offering (small payment). All of the photos in this review...

Andres Emilio Soto

Andres Emilio Soto

Sep 2025

This is the biggest tourist attraction on Tino's but also for Greeks who come from all around their country to pay respect to the Virgin Mary. Many dedicated people crawl on their hands and knees up the hill for many blocks to enter into the church. Try to avoid any masses of you want to enter easily. Tickets are not needed. There is also a holy water fountain and beautiful cave of worship below t...

Bong Arquiza

Bong Arquiza

Jul 2025

I recently visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, and while it wasn’t as massive or imposing as I expected for the capital city’s main Orthodox church, it still left a deep impression. The space is relatively small, but incredibly ornate. The decor is rich with gold accents, beautiful icons, detailed woodwork, and intricate chandeliers. Every inch feels intentional and full of reverence. Th...

When is the best time to visit Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary (Athens, Greece)?

Visit in spring or autumn to avoid summer heat and crowds. In summer, arrive before 10 AM to beat the midday sun.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Candle lighting for twoEUR 2
Optional coffee in square (two)EUR 8
Total EstimatedEUR 10

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 Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Address: E056 105, Athina 118 54, Greece

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary (Athens)?

← See other Things to Do in Athens (couple trip)

About Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Phone Number

+30 21 0335 2380

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇬🇷 Greece, couple trip

Things to Do in Santorini, couple trip
Santorini
Things to Do in Athens, couple trip
Athens
Things to Do in Heraklion, couple trip
Heraklion

🇺🇸 United States, couple trip

Things to Do in Hawaii, couple trip
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, couple trip
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, couple trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, couple trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, couple trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, couple trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, couple trip

Things to Do in Dublin, couple trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, couple trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, couple trip
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip

Things to Do in London, couple trip
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, couple trip
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, couple trip
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, couple trip

Things to Do in Rome, couple trip
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, couple trip
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, couple trip
Milan

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Athens, Greece

searching for