Metropolitan Cathedral, Athens

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens—or simply the "Metropolis", as the locals call it (because why bother with the full name when you can sound cool?). This grand cathedral has been standing tall since the mid-19th century, playing host to some of Greece’s most high-profile events—think royal weddings, state funerals, and the kind of ceremonies that make history books.

As for the story of its construction, it all started on Christmas Day, 1842, when someone had the bright idea to build a monumental church. But where to find all that marble? Easy—just dismantle 72 other churches across the country and re-purpose their stones. After 20 years and three architects juggling the job, the church was finally finished, proudly dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin. And its size—40 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 24 meters high—makes it the biggest religious building in Athens.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a Greek Orthodox feast for the eyes: lavish icons, intricate murals, and an abundance of golden accents that make even the most skeptical visitor pause in awe. But beyond the grandeur, the cathedral also holds the tombs of two martyrs—Saint Philothéi, a woman who dedicated her life to rescuing Greek women from Ottoman harems (and was martyred for it in 1589), and Patriarch Gregory V, who was executed by the Ottomans in 1821. His body had quite the journey—rescued by Greek sailors from the Bosphorus, sent to Odessa (which is modern-day Ukraine), and eventually brought home to Athens 50 years later.

Out front, the statues tell even more stories. One honors the last Byzantine Emperor, who fought to the bitter end defending Constantinople in 1453. The other? A tribute to the Archbishop of Athens, a hero who helped protect the city’s Jewish community during World War II.

And if all this history has worked up your thirst, the square in front of the cathedral is the perfect place to sit back, sip a coffee, and take in the city’s rhythm—a little oasis amidst Athens' ever-busy streets.