The special church of Agios Andreas in Syggrou Park. Walking in the center of Athens or its neighborhoods, you may often pass by various places, buildings, and sights that have a longer history than you imagine. It can even be churches or chapels. Like the one we are going to see today which is located at the point where the beautiful grove of Syggrou is. Next to it is the extremely impressive Villa Syggrou, a jewel for the area, the result of the talent of the great Ernst Ziller.
The imposing churches of Greece dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Agios Andreas: The only Gothic-style Orthodox church in Greece
The Bavarian architect designed the Syggrou villa for Andreas Syngros as his country villa. The building dates back to the 19th century and even more impressive is the one right next door. The reason for the only orthodox church of Gothic style in Greece. It is the church of Agios Andreas in Athens.
In fact, it is a very special architectural chapel which is the only example of an Orthodox church in the Gothic style in the country. The next time you're there, it's worth your attention. Besides, it does not easily go unnoticed.
Seeing even a photo of the church of St. Andrew, its design makes an impression on you. And the explanation is given when you learn his story. Just like the country house of Andreas Syngros, the chapel of St. Andrew was built according to the plans of Ernst Ziller, the architect who filled Athens with "diamonds", a student of Austrian Theophilos Hansen. A man who filled Athens with ornaments. Apart from this chapel, equally impressive is the so-called magical chapel of Ziller in the center of Athens, the legendary building at 58 Akadimias Street.
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The small chapel in Alsos Syggrou follows the type of basilica while at the same time, it has several common elements in its architecture with the Catholic church of Agios Loukas in Neo Irakleio, Attica. It is no coincidence that it was also founded on plans by Theophil Hansen in 1842 and completed in 1845. Also, many common elements will be noticed more closely with the 19th-century Gustan-Adolifkirche of Ludwig Foster and Theophilos Hansen in Vienna.
And it makes sense since Ziller was deeply influenced by the architectural trend in Vienna, which he often visited. Unfortunately, not all of his creations have survived in Greece. Apart from Athens, he created real architectural ornaments in the provinces, such as the Town Hall in Ermoupolis, in Syros.
It should be noted that Gothic architecture is an architectural style that developed in Europe during the late Middle Ages and It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. It appeared in the 12th century in France and continued to be used until the 16th century. The style was originally known as Francogenic while the term Gothic appeared at the end of the Renaissance.
Another strange church
This church of the Gothic style, let us move to another church that cannot go unnoticed. It is the
Trypia Church of Attica. The feeling is unique, and the images are unprecedented.
Agios Andreas: How do I get to Alsos Syggrou?
Organize a walk in Attica and explore the beautiful Syggrou Park. It is located at 182 Kifisias Avenue - on the border of Kifissia, Maroussi, and Melissia. By car, moving on Kifissias Avenue from the center of Athens to Kifissia, at the traffic light of KAT turn right and enter the entrance of the park - there is parking space for vehicles. If you use the metro, line 1 (green line) will take you there and KAT is the stop you will get off. From there it's a 500 meters walk to the Park. For using the bus from the center of Athens Buses 550, A7, and B7 - at the KAT stop and you are there next to the entrance of the park.
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