Nestled on the slopes of Mt Hymettos, 5km east of the city, the beautiful 11th-century Moni Kaisarianis is a peaceful sanctuary. The walled complex has a central court surrounded by a kitchen and dining rooms, the monks’ cells and a bathhouse. The domed katholikon (main church) was built in the cruciform style atop foundations of an ancient temple. The dome is supported by four columns from the temple. Most of the well-preserved frescoes date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
On weekends the complex can swarm with picnickers. Take bus 224 from Plateia Kaningos (at the north end of Akadimias) to the terminus. From here it’s about 30 minutes’ walk to the monastery – or take a taxi.
