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Type: Cross-in-Square
Date: 10th century
Description:
This cross-in-square church with the characteristic fold dome, as known by Paul Durand’s sketch, was built in the 10th century and renovated in the middle of the 15th century. It is decorated with wall paintings in the interior.
In the middle of the 19th century, Athens, as the capital of the newly established Greek state was characterized by a vivid building activity, in order to meet the new needs. Moreover, it became Europeans’ object of admiration, since they were fascinated by the ancient classical ideals. Under these circumstances, the middle Byzantine church of the Prophet Helias was demolished along with other churches, in order for the excavations in the Ancient Agora area to be completed. The demolition took place in 1843 by L. Kautatzoglou.
The wall painting of the enthroned Virgin Mary, known as the Virgin Mary of the Catalans, was removed before 1843 possibly from the tympanum of the church gate. The wall painting was handed to the National Technical University of Athens. It was later donated by L. Kautatzoglou along with other objects of Byzantine art to the collection of the Christian and Archeological Society.
Panselinou N., Byzantine Athens, Athens 2004, p.51-52.