Agios Ioannis of the Column Athens

A hidden gem

Antonis from Athens

"Agios Ioannis of the Column is one of the most interesting hidden attractions in the center of Athens. The church was built in the 6th century AD, and its sanctuary was formed around an ancient Corinthian column."

Crossing the always bustling Evripidou Street, it is difficult to notice the small church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) the Baptist and even more difficult, behind the tall trees of its courtyard, to notice the ancient column projecting through its roof. But Agios Ioannis of the Column is one of the most interesting hidden attractions in the center of Athens. The church was built in the 6th century AD, and its sanctuary was formed around an ancient Corinthian column. According to archaeologists, the column belonged to a sanctuary of Asclepius (the ancient god of medicine) that existed at the site, along with a monument dedicated to the Athenian physician Toxaris. He was considered a healer of fever and helped the Athenians during the plague of 430 BC.

In the Christian religion, Agios Ioannis, like Asclepius, had healing abilities. It is clear that the belief in Asclepius' healing powers persisted in Agios Ioannis. According to the testimonies of travelers of the 19th century, when the Athenians were sick with malaria and high fever, they would tie white and red ribbons to the column, which, if untied, meant that the saint would cure them. Today the church is open to the public, and on the day of the saint's feast (August 29), it is filled with believers, mainly elderly residents of the city center. Its small, green courtyard is a small oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the city and the perfect place for a quick, relaxing break.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Antonis

Antonis Tsapepas (1974) About me I was born in Athens, a few metres from the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos, as were my father and my grandfather. Therefore, I consider myself a native of this unique city. Perhaps these images of the ancient monuments from my childhood made me want to become an archaeologist. I was able to do this by earning a degree in archaeology from the University of Athens, even though I never worked in the field. So over time, archaeology and my love for Athens turned into a constant quest to uncover its secrets, neighbourhoods, bui...

About this spot

Evripidou 70

€

no-price

Sep 20, 2025

Our Athens City Guide

Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

Ktistakis

Loukoumades from heaven

Ktistakis is hidden in the streets around Omonoia Square but deserves every moment you will spend searching for it. It makes only one thing: delicious little loukoumades.

Snacks

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 10, 2025

Mrs Dalloway's

You can buy yourself flowers

The flower bouquets are naturally dried and painted with water-soluble, non-toxic colors. The dried flowers can decorate a space for 1 to 2 years!

Shopping

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Nov 9, 2025

Namaste

A genuine Indian experience

Namaste presents classic Indian cuisine enriched with the dishes of the unique mountain country of Nepal and the flavours are authentic and refined!

Restaurants

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

Takis Bakery

Athenian bakery at its best

And really, what to choose first? Takis Bakery produces every day thirty different types of bread, sandwiches, biscuits, pies, and sweets, in addition to the always fresh koulouri.

Snacks

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

La Bella Napoli

Italian pizza like no other

At La Bella Napoli, they make pizza the original Neapolitan way. The dough is thin and tasty, and the tomato sauce has a refined taste. Don't forget the tiramisu!

Restaurants

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 9, 2025

Babouras

Feel the buzz of Petralona

"Babouras" Athens is a cafe/bar in Petralona that combines the old with the new. My tip would be to bring your camera with you - the light's very pretty.

Bars

Coffee & tea

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Au Revoir

Classic and unique

"Au Revoir" is, simply put, the oldest bar in Athens. It opened in 1958 and has been serving classic drinks since then. Even Frank Sinatra paid a visit.

Bars

Coffee & tea

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Nov 9, 2025

Rema Pikrodafnis

Athenian wilderness

"Rema Pikrodafnis" is one of the few relatively untouched streams in Athens. I love this seemingly abandoned part of it, a symbol of what Greece really is.

Relaxing

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

FOOD Str

Quality burgers in Monastiraki

"FOOD Str" in the center of Athens is my spot of choice when I'm out late drinking and need a cheap (vegetarian!) burger or some fish and chips!

Snacks

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Homesick

Retro mode in Eksarcheia

"Homesick" Athens is my go-to cafe/bar in Eksarheia when I want some retro decoration and a nice beer with hearty freebies. Don't miss talking to the owner!

Bars

Coffee & tea

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Eugenides Digital Planetarium

Across the universe

The "Eugenides Digital Planetarium" (est. 2003) in Athens is a fantastic place to get to enjoy an educational spectacle! I have so many memories from here.

Art & culture

Cinema

Dimitris

Hall

Nov 9, 2025

Mousiko Kafeneio

The neighbourhood bar

It's at the perfect location, on a pedestrian zone close to this Athens' neighborhood, Nea Smyrni, central square, playing music and throwing parties.

Bars