What if I told you that this small church played a significant role in Byzantine architecture? I am talking about the Agii Apostoli Church. It is also known as the Church of the Holy Apostles. Some people call it Holy Apostles of Solaki.
Agii Apostoli Church stands in the Ancient Agora of Athens. It is next to the Stoa of Attalos. Historians believe it dates back to the late 10th century.
“Solakis” might refer to the family who funded a renovation during Ottoman rule. Or it could come from the densely populated area around the church in the 19th century.
Agii Apostoli is significant for a few reasons. First, it is the only monument in the Agora besides the Temple of Hephaestus to survive intact since its creation. Second, its architecture is important. It was the first significant church of the Middle Byzantine period in Athens. It marks the start of the “Athenian type”. This design combines the simple four-pier with the cross-in-square forms.
The church was built partly over a 2nd-century nymphaion. A nymphaion was a monument honoring nymphs. It usually included a fountain. The church was restored to its original form between 1954 and 1957.
Evidence suggests four distinct building phases. The original floor plan was a cross shape. It had apses on all four sides. There was a narthex on the west side. Four columns supported a dome. Originally, the altar and floor were made of marble. The outer walls feature tiles with Kufic-like patterns.
Some wall paintings in the central aisle date back to the 17th century. Paintings from nearby churches were also moved here.
Agii Apostoli suffered damage during the war between the Ottomans and Venetians around 1687. It was repaired in the 18th century. Extensive restoration occurred in 1876-82. Unfortunately, this included unattractive extensions. These altered the church’s original form. These alterations were reversed between 1954 and 1956. The church’s present form is close to the 10th-century original.
The church is built on a Greek cross plan. This means it is a cross with equal arms. There is a narthex on the west side. Each arm ends in a semi-circular niche. Smaller niches are on either side of each apse. A dome rests on four pillars in the central crossing. It is the oldest example of the “Athenian type” of Byzantine dome in the city.
Agii Apostoli contributed to Byzantine architecture. It successfully combined a central plan with a cross-in-square design.
The facade of the west narthex has brick Kufic patterns. These were restored in the 20th century. The three entrance portals have round tympana with punched star designs.
A Byzantine sarcophagus found nearby is now inside the church. Burials were discovered beneath the floor of the nave and narthex. Fragments of frescoes remain. Most are from the 17th or 18th century. They are considered of mediocre quality. Other wall paintings found nearby have also been placed inside the church.
Agii Apostoli stands as a testament to Athens’ enduring history. It shows the blend of ancient traditions and Byzantine artistry. Take a moment to appreciate this small but significant church. It has witnessed centuries of change.