What I can see

This basilica has something special. In the middle of it stands an ancient column, which protrudes from the roof.

What I can't see

The column belonged to the Toxaris shrine, who was a healer of fever. The ancient Athenians often reached out to him because of frequent outbreaks of malaria. In Christian faith, St. John replaces Asclepius, god of medicine in antiquity. The faithful Christians used to stick colourful yarns at the base of the column, thus “tying” down the disease, and hoping that the saint would “untie” them and therefore heal them.

Info

• Address: 70 Evripidou St.

Bibliography