Monastery of Daphni
Iera Odos, Chaidari, Greece, 12461
One of three Byzantine monasteries to share a UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Monastery of Daphni can trace its history back to the 6th century. The 11th-century church features gorgeous mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Jesus on a gold background—a high point of Byzantine art—while a small basilica dates to the 9th century.
The basics
It’s free to visit the Monastery of Daphni, which is still undergoing painstaking restoration after an earthquake in 1999. However, much of the work, including the main church, is complete. Apart from a column salvaged from a Greek temple formerly on the site, the mosaics are the main attraction. Scenes include Jesus entering Jerusalem and John baptizing Jesus, while a small museum helps you put the site in context.
Some tours pair the monastery with a visit to ancient Corinth, where St. Paul is said to have preached: It’s virtually on the way.
Things to know before you go
Monastery of Daphni is a great choice for art lovers, history buffs, and church fans.
Monks haven’t lived in the monastery for more than a century, so there’s no need to wear special clothing.
The monastery has braille leaflets available and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, with step-free access to the main church.
How to get there
The Monastery of Daphni lies just outside Athens, about a 6-mile (10-kilometer) drive northwest of the Acropolis. Self-drivers will find ample parking, or you can catch the metro to Agia Marina (Line 3) and then catch buses 801, 811, 865, 836, 866, 876, or A16.
When to get there
The monastery is closed on Tuesdays as well as January 1, March 25, May 1, December 25, and December 26. On Wednesday through Monday, it’s open 8:30am–3:30pm. It’s rarely busy so visit at a time that works for you.
More masterpiece monasteries in Greece
Monastery of Daphne shares its UNESCO listing with Hosios Loukas Monastery, up towards Delphi, and Nea Moni Monastery on the island of Chios, just off the coast of Turkey. The frescoes and mosaics in Hosios Loukas Monastery’s soaring church are in remarkably good repair, while Nea Moni Monastery’s mosaics still sparkle almost 1,000 years after their creation.
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