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- Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherios
The Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherios (Ιερός Ναός Παναγίας Γοργοεπηκόου και Αγίου Ελευθερίου), commonly known as the Little Metropolis, is a distinguished Byzantine church of the 12th century, located in the very center of Athens, adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral on Mitropoleos Square.
Built around the mid-12th century on the site of an earlier pagan temple, possibly dedicated to the goddess Eileithyia, the church was originally dedicated to Panagia Gorgoepikoos — the "Most Holy Theotokos Who Swiftly Hears Prayers." In the 19th century, it was rededicated to also include Saint Eleutherios, the protector of childbirth and pregnant women.
Architecturally, the church is a classic cross-in-square domed structure with a narthex and small apses. One of its most fascinating features is its exterior, adorned with more than seventy carved marble reliefs. These include mythological, astronomical, and Christian motifs, reflecting the transition from ancient Greek to Christian culture. Most of these stones were repurposed from earlier classical buildings.
Constructed entirely of marble, the church is modest in size but immense in historical and artistic significance. Inside, fragments of original frescoes survive, along with a modern iconostasis that harmoniously blends Byzantine tradition with contemporary ecclesiastical art.
The Little Metropolis remains an active place of worship, with regular services and sacraments. Its central location and rich heritage make it a beloved destination for both the faithful and visitors interested in the legacy of Byzantine art and Athens’ layered history.
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