Rumor has it Apostle Luke painted an icon of the Virgin Mary here. This is Agios Loukas in Athens.
Agios Loukas church stands proudly. It holds a significant place in Athenian history. Its story stretches back centuries. It’s linked to the city’s oldest Christian history.
The original structure was a basilica. It dated from the first century. Tradition says it housed an icon painted by Apostle Luke. This early basilica later became part of a monastery. The monastery thrived during the Middle Byzantine period. It included an olive oil press and a catholicon. Both were built on the basilica’s ruins. Sadly the church suffered during the Greek Revolution of 1821. It fell into ruin. Remains of murals once adorned its interior. The old church was demolished in 1859-1860. A new Agios Loukas was erected.
Construction of the present church began in 1864. Theoklitos Vimbos a professor and later archbishop funded its building. The church opened on October 18 1870. This was Apostle Luke’s feast day. The design of Agios Loukas is remarkable. Famous German architect Ernst Ziller designed it. It was one of his earliest works in Athens. The church is a Byzantine cross-in-square design. It features a dome. Expansion work took place from 1928 to 1934. Architect Georgios Nomikos oversaw the renovation. New additions included a fau00e7ade and steeples. Beautiful marble lintels and a screen adorn Agios Loukas. These were Ziller’s designs. The church boasts intricate wood carvings by Stefanos Nomikos.
The icons are painted on gold leaf. Well-known artists painted them in stages. This work was completed in 1963. Among these artists was the writer and painter Photis Kontoglou. Agios Loukas is a treasure. It’s a testament to faith and architectural skill. It shows Athens’ rich religious heritage. This church is a must-see for anyone interested in Athenian history and art.