Agios Georgios Church

Agios Georgios Church

At the top of Lycabettus Hill is the Church of Agios Georgios (Saint George). It is a remarkable whitewashed chapel that dates back to around the 1800s. It is built on the same spot that the Temple of Zeus was in ancient times. When the first one was ruined, the basilica-style church was built on that foundation.

Based on pictures drawn by travelers of that time, researchers believe that the chapel of the Prophet Eli was located here before falling into disrepair before Agios Georgios Church was built. The church’s tall belfry was a gift from Queen Olga to the Athenian people in the late 19th Century.

Marble inscriptions at the church indicate that there was once a small cemetery at the site. On the floor, there is an inscription indicating that the chapel of Agios Georgios was established by the Metropolitan of Athens Benedict (1782-1785). Moreover, while strolling through the grove of trees, you will find 2 chapels lying adjacent to St. George, one dedicated to the Prophet Eli, the other to St. Constantine, both built around 1885.

Due to the difficulty of climbing up the hill, these structures were abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, in 1834, an adventurous monk named Emmanuel Louloudakis scaled Lycabettus Hill, cleared the rubble and rebuilt the chapel of Prophet Eli - dedicating it to Saint George. When Monk Emmanuel never descended from his climb, friends assumed he was deceased. 3 year later, some Athenians saw lights on top of the hill, and climbing up to discover their origin, found the holy man had created a small paradise with a garden and patio. Afterward, locals donated money for a road to be constructed, and the chapel began to be visited - especially during Easter time, which is close to the day that Saint George is celebrated.

After his death in 1885, Friar Emmanuel's was buried near his dear chapel. Notably, it has been said that some miracles have occurred in the Church of Agios Georgios.

Lastly, near Agios Georgios Church operates a top-notch restaurant and cafeteria. It worth having lunch or a drink while enjoying the magnificent view at night.