ATHENS

KESARIANIS MONASTERY
is one of the oldest monasteries of Attica. Founded in the 2nd century and is built in one of the most beautiful locations of the capital city, at the foot of hymettus. According to historical sources, the monastery was built on the ruins of a Roman temple and the older ancient Greek temple.
It is characteristic that even today the dome of the Church rests on four pillars of this ancient temple.
The monastery experienced its greatest prosperity during the 12th and 13th century. The era of prosperity was a cultural and intellectual Centre.
The catholicon of the monastery is dedicated to the presentation of the Virgin Mary. It is a Greek cruciform type Temple, which is adorned by frescoes of the 16th century.
In the precincts of the monastery you can see a fountain, which spurts water from the mouth of a marble RAM. The older years there was the perception that this water cure infertility.
The Kaisariani monastery apart from its rich history and the impressive decor, is an excellent starting point for hiking in the mountains and generally in contact with the beauties of the land of Attica.

Monastery PENTELIS
is one of the largest and richest monasteries of Greece. Founded in 1578 by Archbishop Timothy and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. The Ottoman rule, the monastery was one of the main cultural centres of Athens. Over the years, and new buildings were added to the existing complex. Also, many sections of the original buildings were restored, while some were built again.
Today visitors can see the original hospital, fountain and some of the cells of the monks. Particularly striking is the Catholic of the monastery that is adorned with post Byzantine iconography.

The Daphni monastery
is considered the most important Byzantine monument in Athens. Located in the West of the capital near the suburb of Haidari and at a distance of 11 km. from the Center. The monastery was built in the location were the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo Dafnaioy or Dafneioy, next to the Sacred road leading from Athens to Elefsina. This church was destroyed in 395 ad by the Goths, and later, when the Byzantine emperors forbade idolatry, Christians built this church, using as materials architectural members of the ancient temple.
The choice of that particular site was not random, as they were on the road to Eleusis, where Pagans continued to go and kept the eleusinian Mysteries. The first well building complex of the monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 6th century. The monuments that still exist today belong to the second building phase and dating from the 11th century.
Particularly impressive is the Interior of the Church, which is decorated with wonderful mosaic of that period, which represent important moments from the life of Christ and of? The Virgin Mary. They are unique works of art of the Middle Byzantine period to earn the admiration of the visitors of the monastery. The narthex and the nave is pictured next to the cycle of the passion of Christ, the circle X from the life of Mary. One of the most beautiful mosaic is the crucifixion, while the dome dominates the strict form of Christ Pantocrator in gold X background.

MONI AGIOU IOANNI the HUNTER
the Monastery founded in the 12th century. It has been built in a beautiful location, on the northern tip of Hymettus and features lovely goddess to Athens and mesogeia plain. From the monastery's original structure is preserved only the global pool with subsequent additions in the 13th century and the main entrance.
Today, the monastery hosts female commune.

Asteriou monastery
is located in the area of Agios Ioannis Theologos and is built on a verdant site. According to historical sources, the monastery was founded in the 5th century. It is noteworthy that the building complex is preserved almost intact and includes quadrangle format, two fortress precinct wards with buildings and Catholic cruciform type interesting frescoes of the 16th century. Also, the domed tank with fountain dating from the era of Occupation.
The Abbey is a historic monument and can be visited.