Peering through time, the small church of Agioi Asomatoi stands as a testament to Athens’ rich history. This Byzantine-era church is near the Theseion on Ermou Street. It sits in Agion Asomaton Square. Agioi Asomatoi means “Holy Incorporeal Ones”.
Experts believe Agioi Asomatoi was built in the second half of the 11th or 12th century. Over the centuries Agioi Asomatoi received many changes. These changes occurred especially during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its original form was altered. In 1959-1960, restoration work aimed to restore it to its original form. Today, Agioi Asomatoi is about two meters below street level.
Agioi Asomatoi is a cruciform temple. It is inscribed with an Athenian dome. The dome rests on four columns. It is a representative sample of the Athenian school of church building. The lower parts of the side walls are formed by large stones. These stones are placed in the shape of a cross. This is characteristic of many temples of this period. Its facades are decorated with a frieze of clay tiles. These tiles have relief decorations of old Arabic script called Kufic. Two of these tiles are built into the western face of Agioi Asomatoi.
The horseshoe arch over the northern entrance is of Islamic inspiration. These are decorative elements imitating oriental patterns. They are perhaps associated with a small community of Arab merchants in Athens. Agioi Asomatoi was restored in 1960. Later additions were removed. The church was restored to its original form. During the restoration worn frescoes from a later period were uncovered. They were possibly from the late Byzantine era. A silver case with holy relics of an unknown saint was found in the Holy Altar.
Agioi Asomatoi functions as a parish church. It serves the religious needs of Orthodox Christians in the region. It belongs to the Holy Archdiocese of Athens of the Orthodox Church. Agioi Asomatoi celebrates on November 8. The Orthodox Church honors the angelic powers on this day.
Agioi Asomatoi stands as a characteristic example of an Athenian church of the 11th century. Agioi Asomatoi belongs to the type of simple cross-in-square church. It is supported by four columns. Agioi Asomatoi shows certain Islamic influences. It incorporates Kufic elements. These elements stem from the community of Arab craftsmen and merchants in Athens in the late 10th century.
The church’s initial form was altered around 1925. It became a parish church. There was a need to receive a larger congregation. Initially, Agioi Asomatoi was expanded to the east and west. This resulted in the demolition of the three conches of the altar. The narthex and part of the side walls were also demolished. At a second stage it was expanded towards the north and south. The present day form of the church is the result of restoration works. These took place in the late 1950s.
Take a moment to appreciate Agioi Asomatoi. Its architecture reflects a blend of cultures. The church stands as a symbol of faith. It has endured throughout Athens’ long history.