Across from the bustling Kolonaki neighborhood sits the Byzantine and Christian Museum, also known as the Mouseio Naziontzik – Byzantini syllogi. Do you know what connects Pennsylvania to this treasure trove of Byzantine art? The answer lies within the walls of Villa Ilissia, the museum’s home. This elegant villa was the winter residence of Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, the Duchess of Plaisance. Born in Philadelphia, she eventually settled in Athens and built this beautiful villa between 1840 and 1848. The Byzantine and Christian Museum houses over 25,000 artifacts, spanning from the 3rd to the 20th century. These pieces offer a glimpse into the world of Early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine art and culture. Among the collection are icons, manuscripts, sculptures, and artifacts from across the Greek world and regions where Hellenism flourished. One standout piece is the mosaic icon of the Virgin of Tenderness. This luxurious piece, rescued from the Church of Saint Basil in Triglia, is a testament to the enduring power of Byzantine artistry. Another fascinating exhibit displays frescoes from the Church of Episkopi in Evrytania. These frescoes, arranged as they were in the original church, reveal three layers of paintings from different centuries. Before being submerged due to the construction of a dam, these frescoes were carefully removed, offering us a window into the past. Stepping into the museum gardens is like stepping into a living exhibit. Themed gardens explore concepts like Paradise and the Well-Cistern. These gardens feature Early Christian tombs, architectural fragments from Byzantine churches, and interpretive panels that bring history to life. The Byzantine and Christian Museum is more than just a museum. It is a journey through time, connecting us to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Greece.
Municipality of Zografos
Seven thousand inhabitants. That’s how many people called Zografou home a century ago. Can you imagine the quiet hills then?