Mount Pentelic

Mount Pentelic (© Copyright: Electrofear Digital Art)

Mount Pentelic

Famous for the marble extracted from its quarries, which was used for the construction of the Acropolis and other ancient Greek monuments, the mountain range of Penteli is situated 15 km northeast of Athens with an elevation of 1,109 m.

The pyramid-shaped mountain offers magnificent views to the city and the Gulf of Evia. It offers old pathways leading to the beautiful monasteries of Profitis Ilias, Agios Nikitas, and Agios Loukas; more than 80 caves (including the famous Daveli Cave); and ancient marble quarries.

At the northern side of the mountain, the Aloula open pit has been transformed into an open-air museum of quarrying art. On the southern side of the mountain, the impressive Monastery of Penteli is one of the largest and richest in Greece. On Koufos hill, at an altitude of 500 meters, the Penteli Astronomical Station of the National Observatory of Athens operates since 1995 in a beautiful Pentelic marble building constructed in 1958.

The waterfall of Drafi (or waterfall of Penteli or Valanaris) of 5-6 meters height on the south side is accessible from the trail starting at Drafi. The mountain of Penteli is also well known for forming a strong geomagnetic field, which is the source of many strange activities.

Furthermore, on its pine-clad slopes, one can admire the magnificent architecture of Stamatios Kleanthis, who built 3 picturesque residences: the Rododafni Castle, the Tourelle Tower, and the Maisonette for the Duchess of Plaisance.

Height of Mount Pentelic: 1,109 m