LYCABETTUS HILL

Height: 277 m

Identity and history:
Lycabettus is a cone-shaped hill almost in the center of Athens. It is also called “Agios Giorgis” because of the church that is built on its top since the 19th Century, replacing the older Byzantine church of Prophet Elias.
Some claim that its name derives from "lycovatias drymos" (wolf mountain), because of the many wolves that existed in Lycovounia (Tourkovounia). Others argue that it comes from "lyci+vaino", where the twilight first appears.

According to mythology, Goddess Athena was informed of the birth of Erechtheion, while she was carrying a huge boulder that she was bringing from Pallini with intention to use it as a fort in front of the Acropolis. She became so upset when she heard the unpleasant news that she dropped the boulder on the place where the Lycabettus hill was formed.

A little lower from its top there are cannonries. The quaint church of Agioi Isidoroi is located on the west slope and on the same slope built in great depth there are installations that housed the headquarters of anti-aircraft defense during the Greek-Italian war.

The only ancient works on Lycabettus are the quarries and a big water reservoir, whose outer entrance was salvaged till the 18th Century.

Today, we suggest that after you drive to the summer theater of Lycabettus, climb up the stairs to the top from the eastern side to reach the church of Agios Georgios. You will have the best view of Athens, from the highest possible point. There is also a quite clean and discreet café up top for visitors to take in a beverage or a snack, but beware of the “wolf-like” prices.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY FOOT: Ascension to the hill is made easier by the use of telepheric that you will find on Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki. Access by car is possible - unless the summer theater has an event - using the Lycabettus beltway where the signs of all the major streets under the hill lead you. These streets are Ippokratous, Asklipiou, Alexandras Avenue, Akadimias and Skoufa.

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