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Athens’ massive cathedral of 1862 was the first major church built after Greece’s independence. It became the seat of the archbishop and hence of modern Greek orthodoxy. Though its colourful frescoes and pricey ecclesiastical objects are certainly impressive, its architecture is less so. Mitropoli’s importance is almost entirely spriritual, as the central point for the Greek Orthodox Church. (see Mitropoli)

Dwarfed by the bulk of Mitropoli, tiny Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Mikri Mitropoli, “little Mitropoli”) actually far outshadows its vast neighbour in historic and artistic importance. It was built in the 12th century, on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Eileithyia. Its walls are built entirely of Roman and Byzantine marble relics, sculpted with reliefs depicting the ancient calendar of feasts. (see Mitropoli)

This lovely little church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in the 11th century over the ruins of an ancient temple. It is laid out in the typical Byzantine cross-in-square plan, with three apses on the east side and a narthex (a western portico) on the west. Inside, the church is decorated with medieval mosaics. (see Kapnikarea)

This was once the greatest monastery of the area, this is the church from which the Monistiraki neighbourhood takes its name. “Little monastery” was so named after the destruction of its many surrounding buildings during 19th-century archaeological digs. The church is due to reopen in early 2006. (see Plateia Monastiraki)

If you’ve lost something or are looking for someone, this is the place to go. Every Saturday, this famous church holds services blessing tasty fanouropita cakes. Once eaten, they are supposed to help you find what you’re looking for.

This is one of Athens’ oldest churches, built in the early 11th century over a 2nd-century monument in the ancient Agora. Though it underwent a great deal of damage during the Ottoman occupation, the remains of its frescoes have been preserved and restored within.

Remnants of Classical columns remain in the courtyard of this beautiful 12th-century church – evidence that it too was built over the ruins of an ancient temple, this one possibly dedicated to the goddess Hestia. The church’s many colourful frescoes have been lovingly restored. (see Church of Agia Ekaterini)

Claiming the highest point in modern-day Athens – the peak of Lykavittos Hill – Agios Georgios boasts views as far as the Saronic Gulf, the island of Aegina and the Peloponnese coast. Services are held both inside and outside.

Built in the 6th century, this beautiful monastery church has been used in the course of its life as a prison, insane asylum and army barracks, as well as a revered place of worship. And, like so many churches in and around Athens, its foundations rest upon an ancient temple, this one to Apollo. The magnificent mosaics and awesome vaulted dome are being restored, and the church is hoping to reopen in 2006. (see Dafni)

This 12th-century monastery sits on fragrant, wooded slopes just outside Athens. Most of its surviving frescoes are from the 16th and 17th centuries, and its rushing spring waters are said to cure infertility. (see Kesariani)