Situated near Klaftmonos square, the byzantine monument of st. Theodore’s temple lies in the heart of Athens.
Its history reveals that it was likely constructed on the remains of a cross-shaped edifice. Inscriptions in the western wall above the doorway date its reconstruction to 1065 ad, carried out by Nicholas Kalomalos. During the greek revolution of 1821, it was heavily damaged. After its liberation, the royal family of Greece contributed to the cost of its restoration in 1840, which included the restoration of the sanctuary and the barn.
A basic two-column cross-form church, with a lobby and a dome supported by segments of dividers, has a finishing of three curves on the east side, where the center one is greater than the others. A chime tower was included the southern side at a later stage. The dividers were created utilizing the common cloisonne block work and enriched with fired tiles, kufic designs. The wall paintings inside the building have their roots in the 19th century.
The ceramic decorations of the Church are worth the visit. Ornaments, a frieze of small ceramic tiles, the kuft bas-relief, jagged and brick arches above the windows all make for a grand visual spectacle. This Church, alongside the Kapnikarei Church, is a contemporary yet stands out for its large size, strict architecture and a conserved look. Its visual impact is undeniable.
The Agioi Theodoroi Church in Athens is situated to the south-western part of Klaftmonos square, where Dranatsaniu and Agios Fedoron streets meet. It’s a 5-minute stroll from the metro station «Panepistimio» (red line). Transport such as buses 100 (Aeolu stop), 025, 026, 027 (Euripides stop), 227, 790, 856 (Klaftmonos stop) and trolleybuses 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15 ( stop «Klaftmonos») are available to get to the church.
If you desire to take a stroll, start from Syntagma square and proceed along Stadiu street in the direction of Omonia square, then take a left onto Dragatsaniu street.
