Dafni Monastery Moní Dafní

The picturesque and attractive forecourt of the Dafni Monastery is bounded on the west by one side of the cloister, on the north by the south wall of the church and on the east by other monastic buildings. From the west entrance of the church we pass through the Gothic exonarthex, dating from the period of Cistercian occupation, and the narthex into the church, which ranks with Oàsios Loukás near Delphi and the Néa Moní on Chios as one of the three finest 11th century churches in Greece. The naos, on a Greek cross plan, is dominated - as in these other two churches - by a large central dome which spans both the central aisle and the two lateral aisles. From the dome the grave and majestic figure of Christ PantokrÁtor (Ruler of All) looks down. Above the entrance to the naos is the Dormition, in the narthex the prayer of Joachim and Anne, the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper. All these scenes show the mosaic art of the 11th century at its peak, a fascinating combination of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualization.

The picturesque and attractive courtyard of the monastery is bounded on the west by one side of the cloister, on the north by the south wall of the church and on the east by other monastic buildings.

From the west entrance we pass through the Gothic exonarthex, dating from the period of Cistercian occupation, and the narthex into the church, which ranks with Ossios Loukás near Delphi and the Néa Moní on Chíos as one of the three finest 11th century Byzantine churches.

From July to September the Tourist Pavillion adjoining the Daphni Monastery is the scene of a festival. There are also Greek culinary specialties, music and dancing.

The naos at the Dafní Monastery, on a Greek cross plan, is dominated by the large central dome which spans both the central aisle and the two lateral aisles. From the dome the grave and majestic figure of Christ Pantocrator looks down. In the pendentives under the dome are four of the major themes of Orthodox iconography - the Annunciation (northeast), Nativity (southeast), Baptism of Christ (southwest) and Transfiguration (northwest).

Of the numerous other mosaics the following are particularly notable: north arm of cross: Raising of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem (northwest), Nativity of the Virgin and Crucifixion (northeast). south arm of cross: The Magi, The Risen Christ (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Doubting of Thomas (southwest).

Chancel: Mary between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Prothesis and diakonikon: Saints. Above door of naos: Dormition. Narthex: Prayer of Joachim and Anne, Presentation of the Virgin.

All these scenes show 11th century mosaic art at its peak, in a fascinating blend of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualisation.

The Paliopyrgos, or Old Tower, at Dafni was used by the Turks as a watch tower.

Of the numerous mosaics at the Dafní Monastery, the following are particularly notable:

North arm of cross: Raising of Lazarus, Entry into Jerusalem (northwest), Nativity of the Virgin and Crucifixion (northeast).

South arm of cross: The Magi, The Risen Christ (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Doubting of Thomas (southwest).

Chancel: Mary between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Prothesis and diakonikon: Saints.

Above door of naos: Dormition.

Narthex: Prayer of Joachim and Anne, Presentation of the Virgin.

All these scenes show 11th C. mosaic art at its peak, in a fascinating blend of the Greek sense of beauty and Christian spiritualization.

In the sanctuary are the Resurrection and the Mother of God, flanked by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel; in the prothesis (to the left) John the Baptist, and in the diakonikon (to the right) St Nicholas.

In the pendentives under the dome are four of the major themes of Orthodox iconography - the Annunciation (northweat), the Nativity (southeast), the Baptism of Christ (southwest) and the Transfiguration (northwest). Numerous other mosaics have been preserved in the rest of the church. In the north transept are the Raising of Lazarus and the Entry into Jerusalem (northwest), the Nativity of the Virgin and the Crucifixion (northeast); in the south transept the Magi and the Descent into Hell (southeast), the Presentation in the Temple and the Incredulity of Thomas (southwest).