Where to go in Athens

Metropolis

The Metropolis of Athens can be found at the Metropolis square, on the parallel road of Ermou and at the beginning of the area Plaka. One can reach it by the metro at the station Syntagma.
Next to the great church that resembles today’s Metropolis, there is a small church that has a great historical, symbolical, cultural and architectural meaning. It used to be the Metropolis of Athens due to the fact that it was part of the royal gardens and is therefore known as the old Metropolis.
It was built in the 12th century, but the material it was build from comes from the 6th century. It was manufactured by pieces of stone from ancient temples and is actually the first athenaeum calendar. On the stones different carvings and shapes are visible and to this day some remain a mystery.
Although the big church of today’s Metropolis casts a shadow on the little monument, passers by do not fail to look at it and always wonder how it was constructed and why were the stones but in that particular order. For it not only has subjects of ancient Greek Mythology, but also crosses and symbols that remind one of the crusades.
According to the archeologists and the analysts it used to be the temple to Eilithia, the goddess of birth, who was in charge of the delivery of the child. Today it is known as Saint Eleutherios, name which comes from the word “Eleutheria”, which means freedom. For in Greece when we see a pregnant woman we wish her “good freedom” or in other words, good birth. So, its meaning remains to this day. It also is dedicated to the Virgin Mary with the venerability of answering prayers at once.

by Alice Darzentas

posted by fejsgr @ 2:05 PM