Метаморфосис Сотира Коттаки
Храм несколько раз реконструировался и в наши дни выглядит несколько иначе, нежели во времена, когда был построен. Первая реконструкция произошла в 1847-1855 годах и финансировалась русской общиной Афин. Во время реконструкции храм был немного расширен. Многие храмы пострадали во время Греческой революции 1821 года и храм Метаморфосис Сотрира Катраки из этого ряда не исключение. Вторая модификация произошла в 1908 году. Тогда храм снова был расширен и превратился в трехнефную базилику с куполом. И, наконец, в 1971 году храм приобрел две новых колокольни.
Как добраться до храма Метаморфосис Сотрира Котраки в Афинах:
- на метро, станция Акрополи
Фото и текст: Александр Фролов
Church of Metamorfosis of Sotira Kottaki
Plaka is dotted by ancient monuments, museums of every kind and wonderful churches. One of them is the beautiful Byzantine church of Metamorfosis of Sotira Kottaki. It is a four-columned registered cruciform with a dome, typical sample of Athenian style, built in the first half of the 11th century AD. It is dedicated to Panagia Sotira (The Virgin Mary Saviour) and it is triune with two chapels, the one of St. George to the right and the one of St. Demetrius to the left. Its ktetor was probably named Kotτakis (and that is how the church took this name). For the record, ktetors in the Byzantine time were the people who provided the funds for the construction or reconstruction of an Orthodox church or monastery, for the addition of icons, frescos, and other works of art. A Catholic equivalent of the term is a donator (thank you, Wikipedia).
The church has undergone several renovations and modifications until reaching its current form. The first modification was made during 1847-1855, by the Russian Community of Athens who had used the church for their religious duties. As the building had suffered severe damages during the Greek Revolution, the Russian community restored it, while at the same time they added north, south and west naves, expanding it. The second modification was in 1908, when the church was expanded once again and was turned into a three-aisled basilica with a dome. Finally, in 1971, the church was expanded to the west and acquired two new bell towers.
Church of Metamorfosis of Sotira Kottaki, Kydathinaion Street, Plaka, Athens, metro station Acropolis.
Τext: Marilou Pantazi
