Renowned for its Byzantine architecture and exquisite mosaics, the Daphni Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark in the Athens suburb of Chaidari. Originally built in the 6th century, its surviving structures date from the 11th century, and its dome represents Heaven and its floor as Earth.
Admire the cloisonne-style masonry of Daphni Monastery, which lies partway to Eleusis along the ancient Sacred Way. It’s designed in the shape of a Greek cross, with its elegant interplay of space and light contributing to the impressive quality of its dome mosaics.
Take note of the mosaics depicting the Annunciation of the Mother of God, the Washing of the Disciples and the Prayers of Joachim and Anna, whose figures are naturalistically represented but with unemotional expressions. A highlight of the Daphni Monastery is its 9th-century basilica known as Agios Nikolaos.
Getting there
The Daphni Monastery is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Athens and can be accessed by the number 811 bus that stops outside the entrance. Athens International Airport is 40 minutes’ drive from the monastery.