Daphni Monastery
Daphni or Dafni (Modern Greek: Δαφνί; Katharevousa: Δαφνίον, Daphnion) is an eleventh-century Byzantine monastery eleven kilometers (6.8 miles) northwest of central Athens in the suburb of Chaidari, south of Athinon Avenue (GR-8A). It is situated near the forest of the same name, on the Sacred Way that led to Eleusis. The forest covers about 18 km2 (7 sq mi), and surrounds a laurel grove. "Daphni" is the modern Greek name that means "laurel grove", derived from Daphneion (Lauretum).
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
| Location | Greece |
| Part of | Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, iv |
| Reference | 537-002 |
| Inscription | 1990 (14th Session) |
| Area | 0.94 ha |
| Coordinates | 38°00′47″N 23°38′09″E |
Location of Daphni Monastery in Greece | |
The Daphni Monastery, along with the famous monasteries of Hosios Loukas near Delphi and Nea Moni on the island of Chios, are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their significant historical and architectural value. These monasteries are famed as masterpieces of middle Byzantine architecture, and are especially noted for their sumptuous interior gold-ground mosaics.