Agia Irini
The church of Agia Irini is one of the most important in the city and the homonymous square is one of the most popular.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1846 Beginning of the construction works, based upon the architectural design of Lyssandros Kaftanzoglou.
1879 Construction works intensified.
1892 Completion of the construction.
1995 Beginning of the restoration works, based on the architectural design of Asimina Boulamaki - Thomopoulou.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
Agia Irini (St. Irene) is one of the most important churches of Athens centre. The architecture of the church is this of a monastery, with three semicircular niches forming a cross, while in the middle lies the dome. Externally, it was constructed using a novel – not satisfactory according to Biris- combination of ecclesiastical architecture and neoclassicism. The homonymous square is surrounded by cafes, some of which are gay friendly. During the day, it is a quiet but popular square, which synthesizes a genuine Athenian cityscape. The surrounding area of Agia Irini also has some bars mailny playing alternative music.
What I can't see
When Athens became the capital of Greece, a cathedral was planned to be constructed in this spot. It was where the medieval church of Agia Irini lied. Eventually, the cathedral was built elsewhere but this church was built almost simultaneously with the cathedral and served as such until the completion of the cathedral’s construction. It was constructed using materials from demolished old churches and ruins of the Acropolis. The place – both the medieval, and the youngest church – is associated with major events such as the election of mayors, the coming of age celebrations of King Otto, the introduction of 25 March as a national holiday and the first anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution (1844) .
Info
- Address: Aeolou St.
Bibliography
Karras Ch., (2012), Πλατεία Αγίας Ειρήνης (Agia Irini Square), Athinorama magazine http://www.athinorama.gr/clubbing/articles/?id=13281
Last visit: 6/12/12
Biris Κ. Η., (1966), Αι Αθήναι από του 19ου εις τον 20ον αιώνα, [Athens from the 19th up to the 20th century], 5th edition 2005, Athens, Melissa
Kizis G., (2004), Αποκατάσταση μνημείων- Αναβίωση ιστορικών κτιρίων στην Αττική, (Monuments restoration – resurgence of historical buildings in Attica], vol.1, Athens
Filippidis D., (1995), Η ζωή και το έργο του αρχιτέκτονα Λύσανδρου Καυταντζόγλου (1811-1885) [Life and works of the architect Lyssandros Kaftantzoglou (1811-1885)], Athens
