Historic 11th century church of Aghii Theodoroi reopens to the public after conservation

The reopening of the unique 11th-century church of Aghii Theodoroi (Saints Theodore) near Klafthmonos Square in central Athens was celebrated on Friday in the presence of Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Culture on the landmark church near Stadiou street, the Aghii Theodoroi church was stabilized and conserved by the ministry through the Ephorate of City of Athens Antiquities, as part of the Regional Business Plan "Attica 2014-2020".

The works highlight the original features of the monument and its sculptural decoration, while maintenance in the interior of the church have brought to light its decoration as it was at the end of the 19th century, the ministry said.

Mendoni said of the church that "it was built in 1049 and serves as an emblematic monument of the 11th century. The built-in inscription on its western side is one of the unique features of the church, as it provides us besides the date with the name of the donor, spatharocandidatus Nikolaos Kalomalos, who belonged to the middle ranks of the Byzantine Empire's administrative and military hierarchy."

The completion of the church provides the public an opportunity to visit the monument, she noted, to appreciate the craft and art of the 11th and 19th centuries, understand major themes of Byzantine architecture and sculpture, admire in person the 19th and early 20th century wall paintings, and to contemplate how such monuments were integrated in Athenian life during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.  

The minister highlighted the close and constructive cooperation of the Culture Ministry with the Archdiocese of Athens and the metropolis, adding that "our deeper wish is that church monuments be turned over to worship again, since this was their original use," serving the city's historic profile through their restoration.

Problems faced by conservators and technical staff included the complexity of the project, cracks in most of its tholoi (cupolas), disintegration of ceramic tiles, and old replacement of material at its base by cement, as well as the exposure to smoke and pollutants that had left their mark on the monument both inside and out. These were resolved, and metal supports inserted discreetly under the replaced roofs, stabilizing the building. Wallpaintings and sculptures were cleaned and and missing parts replaced.

The ceremony for the reopening was led by Archimandrite Varnavas Theocharis, also an assistant (protosyngelos) of the Archdiocese, and besides the minister was attended by ministry officials and representatives of Attica Region and the Athens Municipality.

(Photos courtesy of Ministry of Culture)