Dafni Monastery

About the museum

Dafni Monastery is the most splendid monument of the Middle Byzantine period in Attica, and its magnificent construction is probably connected with circles of the imperial court. A possible ancient sanctuary of Daphnaean Apollo on the same site is one of the explanations for the origin of its name; the name could also derive from the abundant laurels (daphnes) of the area.

Dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, the katholikon, an example of the mainland octagonal church of the 11th century, dominates the centre of the complex. Around it lie the ruins of many auxiliary buildings, such as the refectory, the underground cistern, the bath and the wings of cells, from different building phases. The whole is enclosed by a walled precinct fortified with towers and battlements.

The monastery was used as a garrison headquarters, a refuge for insurgents and a gunpowder store during the Greek War of Independence (1821), and later as a public psychiatric hospital. Nevertheless, the deep religious character of the site remains intact and is expressed as nowhere else in the famous wall mosaics of the katholikon, with figures reminiscent of classical and Hellenistic models and with the Pantocrator dominating the imposing dome.

Highlights

• The octagonal katholikon of the 11th century
• The wall mosaics with the Pantocrator in the dome
• The fortified precinct with towers and battlements
• The refectory, the underground cistern and the bath
• The wings of the cells

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Δυτικής Αττικής

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is an information board and leaflets in Braille, as well as a WC for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car, the monastery is about 25 minutes from central Athens, via Iera Odos.

Amenities & dining

On site there are toilets and a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.