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Church of St. John
Fifteen years. That's how long it took to complete this church after its foundation stone was laid on September 4th, 1955, making it one of the longest construction projects on Vouliagmenis Avenue, Athens' impressive 21-kilometer arterial highway stretching all the way to the sea. But here's the really wild part - you're actually standing at a site with TWO churches! Behind this modern Byzantine-style building with its distinctive cross-shaped dome, there's a 500-year-old altar from the original 15th century church that refused to die. When city planners tried to demolish it during street widening, every single bulldozer mysteriously broke down or shut off the moment they touched those ancient stones. The 1970 consecration ceremony took place right as Athens Metro construction was beginning below your feet, and sure enough, the tunneling caused such extensive damage that the entire west wall had to be rebuilt by 2003. Sometimes the old spirits of this place seem determined to make their presence known, don't you think?
Did You Know?
- Built around a 5th-century BC Corinthian column, the Church of St. John the Baptist (Agios Ioannis stin Kolona) is one of the most visually unique churches in Athens—the ancient column actually protrudes through the church’s roof and stands where the altar would normally be, a striking blend of pagan and Christian history.
- Beneath the church flows the ancient river Eridanos, and after heavy rain, visitors can sometimes hear the sound of water rushing under the floor—a hidden feature that connects the church to Athens’ ancient past and makes it a fascinating spot for families and children to imagine the city’s underground rivers.
- The church is steeped in legend as a place of healing, especially for ailments of the head, and faithful visitors still leave offerings on the ancient column in gratitude—making it not just a historical site, but a living part of local spiritual tradition.