Saint Dionysios . Print

This magnificent Catholic Church was first inaugurated in 1865 and was dedicated to Dionysios the Areopagite, a disciple of Saint Paul and the first Bishop of Athens. It is one of the jewels of Panepistimiou Avenue along with the Academy of Athens and the National Library buildings. Athenians and visitors alike are always moved by its size, its stained glass windows and its overall beauty. What people do not often get to see is that there is equal beauty to be found in the rear of the building. I was once lucky enough to rent a studio space on Omirou Street, one of the two streets that run along-side of the church. I remember that I always looked forward to that late afternoon hour when the orange sun light washed over the church’s smooth back wall and the leaves of the bitter orange trees that are planted in its shadow took on a deep blue color.