Byzantine church in Athens down town

Kapnikarea,one of the most famous of the Byzantine churches of Athens is at Ermou str., dating back to the 11th century and belongs to the complex cross-registered churches. The outer narthex, stretched all along the west side of the church was added in the third quarter of the 11th century. 

To the north of the church annexed chapel, dedicated to Santa Barbara and dates back to the late Ottoman Empire. The name may come from the tobacco tax, so perhaps be related to the owner, that the collector of the tax, the kapnikario. But it may be related to the precious kamoucha fabric. 

The wall paintings that have survived belong to the younger age and have been narrated by Fotis Kontoglou and his students, faculty mainly derives from the Byzantine tradition.