I have always been fascinated by the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, which sits just a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square. The museum is housed in Villa Ilissia, a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building that once served as the winter residence of Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, the Duchess of Plaisance.
The Duchess, an American-born philanthropist who supported the Greek War of Independence, commissioned the construction of Villa Ilissia in the 1840s. Architect Stamatis Kleanthis designed the building with simplicity and strict symmetry in mind, and its exterior is adorned with marble. The villa, named after the Ilissos River that once flowed nearby, is a testament to Athens’ rich architectural history.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum was founded in 1914 and moved to Villa Ilissia in 1930. With a collection of over 25,000 exhibits spanning from the 3rd century AD to recent times, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the Byzantine and Christian periods of Greek history. The museum’s vast collection includes unique icons, sculptures, frescoes, ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts, providing visitors with a deep understanding of this important era.
The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions, adding fresh insights and new perspectives to its already extensive offerings. As a local, I am proud to have such an incredible cultural institution right in the heart of Athens, and I highly recommend a visit to the Byzantine and Christian Museum for anyone interested in exploring the art, history, and culture of this influential period in Greece.
