Catholic Shrines & Places of Interest in Greece
Greece is one of the most ancient of civilizations and we draw much from early Greek philosophers. The period of Ottoman rule in Greece, known in Greek as Tourkokratia (meaning “Turkish rule”), began with the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the subsequent Ottoman expansion into mainland Greece, including Athens in 1456 and the Peloponnese peninsula by 1460. By the early 16th century, most of mainland Greece and the Aegean islands were under Ottoman control, although some Venetian-held port cities and mountainous regions remained semi-autonomous.
Greece became independent from the Ottoman Empire through a series of events culminating in the London Protocol of February 1830, which recognized Greece as an independent state, leading to the establishment of a monarchy. Full independence was later granted by the Treaty of Constantinople in July 1832.
The population of Greece is approximately 10.4 million and the majority of the churches in Greece are Greek Orthodox. Roman Catholics make up approximately 1% of the population in Greece, with estimates ranging between 133,000 and over 250,000, including both indigenous Greek Catholics and immigrant communities.
Those traveling to Greece, whether by land or on a cruise, will find opportunities to attend Mass in various places. It is also our understanding that if you cannot find a Roman Catholic church on a Holy Day of Obligation (including Sundays, of course), you may attend a Mass at a Greek Orthodox Church, but not receive communion.
As mentioned, many people take cruises of the Greek Islands. Most cruises sail in May through October, when the weather is ideal.
Greece has also become a popular wedding destination and many prospective brides dream of being married in one of its beautiful churches. However, this can be a bit more complicated than it might sound. We will have more information on that subject on our blog.
Catholic Places of interest in Mainland Greece:
Athens: Catholic Churches in Athens
Nafpaktos: Site of the Battle of Lepanto (Our Lady of the Rosary)
Napflio: Catholic Church of the Transfiguration
Patras: The Basilica of St. Andrew
Thessaloniki: Catholic Parishes of Thessaloniki
Catholic Churches & Shrines on the Greek Islands:
Greece includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. The main Catholic points of interest are on the following islands:
Island of Cyprus: Catholic Churches on the island of Cyprus
Island of Mykonos: Catholic Churches on the island of Mykonos
Island of Patmos: The Cave of Saint John on the island of Patmos (the book of Revelation)
Island of Santorini: Fira, Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on the island of Santorini
Island of Simi: Panormitis Monastery (shrine to Saint Michael) on the island of Simi
Island of Syros: Several Catholic churches on the island of Syros.
Island of Tinos: Our Lady of Tinos on the island of Tinos (the “Lourdes of Greece”)