<Location> Od. Ermou, Athens, Attika, Greece
<Also Known As> Former Cathedral, Panagia Gorgoepikoos, Mikri Mitropolis, Agios Eleftherios
Athens' former cathedral situated south side of the present cathedral. It was built at the end of the 12th century or the beginnings of the next. Ancient and Earlier Byzantine materials are profusely reused.
This is the church seen from the south.
It has inscribed-cross plan, and two inner columns support the dome.
According to the tradition, the church was first founded by Byzantine Empress Eirene around 787. Some pieces of the sculpture probaly came from the earlier church.
Below is the same side of the church shot from closer range.
"Panagia Gorgoepikoos" means "All-saint (Mary) who answers quickly to prayers". After the expulsion of the King Otho, it got a new name, "Agios Eleftherios" from "Eleftheria" meaning "Freedom".
The relief reused above the west door is the Attic State Festive Calender Friese of the 2nd of 3rd century CE (See above; just above the relief with the early Byzantine griffins and birds). Each festivity is represented with symbolic figures. The Panathenaic festival was represented with the ship carrying Athena's robe, but it was cancelled by one of the Maltese Crosses added later.
Below is the close-up of a part of the friese.
