Viewpoints in Athens are a great opportunity to view historical quarters, modern sights from above, admire the vastness of the Aegean Sea and take cool photos. Find out where the lookouts are, what legends are associated with them, and how much the climb costs.
Lycabettus Hill
An impressive panorama of Athens opens from the high Lycabettus hill, which is located in the very center of the city. According to legend, Athena wanted to raise the Parthenon closer to heaven and for this she took a large boulder on Mount Pentelikon. On the way to the Acropolis, two crows flew up to the goddess, who brought her bad news from Olympus. In anger, Athena threw out a giant stone, and it remained lying in the middle of the city.
All of Athens, the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and in clear weather even the island of Aegina are visible from the top of 277 m. There is a pretty Byzantine chapel of St. George on the hill. It was built in the 19th century on the site of the old church of St. Elijah.
Hundreds of believers come to the chapel on Easter. People light candles and go down with them to the foot of the hill. During the high season, there are so many tourists on the mountain that you have to wait for your turn to take a picture.
There is a funicular to the hill. The round trip costs 7 €. If you want to take a walk, go up the stairs that run along the side of the mountain.
Find out more about the sights of Athens.
Areopagus Hill
To the northwest of the Acropolis rises the Areopagus - "Ares Hill". According to legend, the god Ares was tried here for shedding the blood of Poseidon's son. In ancient times, social life was in full swing on the hill and meetings of the elders were held. From here the Apostle Paul read a sermon to the Gentile Athenians.
Now many tourists come to the Areopagus, because from the top of 115 m you can see the Acropolis and most of the city. The entrance is free. Climb the hill along the ancient steps in the rock and modern staircases. Take a spectacular selfie with the Acropolis in the background!
Hill of the Muses
Another observation point in the center of Athens is the Muses Hill, a semi-wild park with olives and pines. The second name - Philopappus - the peak received in honor of the ruler of Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappus, who was exiled from Rome to Ancient Athens.
The observation point is located to the south-west of the Acropolis and has a height of 147 m. According to legend, among the pines and olive trees there was the grave of Orpheus's disciple Mussey. On the slopes of the hill, you can see the ruins of ancient buildings and wells, including the supposed place of Socrates' imprisonment.
The entrance is free. Asphalt roads do not lead to the top, so there are few people. A great place to admire the city without the crowds of tourists!
Tripster and Sputnik8 - excursions in Athens.
