The church was built sometime in the 11th century, perhaps around 1050, and the larger south church is dated just after the mid-century. The article names no architect or builder and gives no materials or dimensions. It may have been the main church of a monastery, and may stand over an ancient temple to Athena or Demeter, both stated as uncertain. The south church is a domed cross-in-square building dedicated to the Presentation of Mary. A chapel of St Barbara on the north and an exonarthex with a propylon on the west were added in succession.
Under King Otto I's city plan for Athens the church was considered for demolition. Ludwig I of Bavaria objected and saved it.
It is an active Greek Orthodox church, one of the oldest in continuous use in Athens, on Ermou Street at the edge of Plaka.
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