In antiquity, in the middle of IeraOdos, which led from Athens to Eleusis, was located the sanctuary of Dafneos or Dafniforos Apollo, which was destroyed in 395 AD by the Goths.During the 5^thcentury on the ruins of the ancient temple was built a church, around which will gradually be established the known Monastery of Dafni.From the columns of the ancient temple, only one has been preserved, while the others have been transferred to London by Lord Elgin.The monastery flourished in the 6^th century, during the rule of the Emperor Justinian, and in the 11^th century when the long ruined main church was rebuilt and embellished with elaborate mosaics and colorful marbles.The dome will definitely impress you, both for its size (covering almost the whole extent of the church) and for the mosaics of the Pantocrator and the 16 Prophets.Apart from the main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, the monks' cells and a large part of the Byzantine wall are preserved nowadays.The monastery of Dafni has been included into the World Heritage List of UNESCO and the unique beauty of the mosaics is a spectacle that you have never experienced before.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 09:00-14:00Free admission