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, solo trip

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

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

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

84%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can roam freely, study the Greco-Byzantine art, attend a service and descend to the reliquary; no child-care logistics or companion timing issues make it very rewarding.

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

Positives:

  • Free entry: No ticket is required to enter or join services.
  • Central location: Steps from Syntagma station, ideal for a walking route through historic Athens.

Challenges:

  • No official guided tours: The cathedral offers no on-site tour; consider an external guide if you want expert commentary.
  • Uneven marble floors: Wear sturdy shoes to navigate polished steps and thresholds safely.
  • Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees out of respect; keep a scarf or shawl handy.
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 solo trip?

  1. Experience the blending of Byzantine and Neoclassical architecture.
  2. Discover original frescoes and marble iconostasis up close.
  3. Explore hidden crypt relics in a self-paced visit.
  4. Join an Orthodox service to feel local traditions.
  5. Enjoy free entry and central access for solo exploration.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore interior art, visit the crypt, and photograph the façade at your own pace.

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

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

Self-guided art and history walk:

Examine frescoes by Spyridon Giallinas and Alexander Seitz, the marble iconostasis and Neoclassical-Byzantine columns.

Tip: Follow the light from the dome to highlight fresco details; pause often to absorb iconography.

Visit the underground crypt:

Descend to the basement reliquary housing relics of Patriarch Gregory V and Saint Philothei.

Tip: Take care on the marble stairs; bring a small flashlight or use your phone for better visibility.

Attend an Orthodox service:

Join Saturday Vespers at 4 PM or Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10 AM to experience local worship.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand near the back for best sightlines without disrupting worshippers.

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

  1. Visit early: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy the nave in near-silence and avoid peak crowds.
  2. Combine with nearby sites: Pair your visit with the Roman Agora or the Arch of Hadrian, both within a 5-minute walk.
  3. Call ahead: For special services or niche access requests, phone +30-2103352380 to confirm availability.
🏖️ 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)?

Summer services can feel warm inside; bring a water bottle. In winter, marble floors stay cold—dress in layers. Easter and Christmas draw larger crowds; plan for extra waiting time.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
AdmissionEUR 0
Candle lightingEUR 1
Small-group history tourEUR 35
Coffee near Mitropoleos SquareEUR 3
Total EstimatedEUR 39

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 (solo 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, solo trip

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

🇺🇸 United States, solo trip

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

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

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

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

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

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip

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

🇮🇹 Italy, solo trip

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