Church of the Holy Apostles, Athens

Ah, the Church of the Holy Apostles—small but mighty, still standing proud since the 10th century.

Tucked near the heart of the Ancient Roman Forum, this little Byzantine beauty has done what few buildings of its era have managed: keep most of its original structure intact. Built atop a 2nd-century shrine for Greece’s favorite mystical water nymphs, it was meant to honor Apostle Paul’s teachings in the Agora.

Speaking of its style: the exterior boasts intricate brick patterns that cleverly mimic Arabic calligraphy—because even in the 10th century, aesthetics mattered. The Ottoman era brought some changes (as they tended to do), but a mid-20th-century restoration swept away those 19th-century additions, bringing the church back to its Byzantine roots.

Visiting on a sweltering summer day, you’ll be grateful for this shady little oasis. Inside, you’ll find stunning Byzantine frescoes, lovingly salvaged from a demolished church—because good art deserves a second chance. And for the best part, this under-the-radar gem is rarely crowded, so you can soak up the history in peace.

No seating inside, but don’t worry—there are charming shaded benches nearby where you can rest, reflect, and pretend you’ve time-traveled a few centuries back.

Why else visit? Well, it’s not colossal, so it won’t leave you breathless from sheer scale—but it does offer a rare, unaltered glimpse into the world of smaller Byzantine churches. A true hidden treasure, just waiting for you to stumble upon it.