A View That Never Gets Old
If you’re in Athens and searching for sweeping vistas of the city, the Acropolis is the easy and logical answer. But, if you want jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city, including the coast in the background, and you’re up for a workout, then Mount Lycabettus is for you.
Mount Lycabettus is a prominent hill located northeast of the central core of Athens, and holds both mythological and historical importance for the Greeks.
Deborah and I decided we needed to make the long venture up the hill, and with every turn, we were rewarded by stunning views, a really cool chapel, and very unique amphitheater.
Mythological Significance
We love Greek mythology, and like most of the stories, the one associated with Mount Lycabettus, does not disappoint. In ancient Greek mythology, the hill was associated with a legend involving the goddess Athena, and a crow. According to the myth, the crow, serving as a messenger, was sent by Apollo to fetch water from a spring. However, the crow became distracted and rested on Lycabettus, unable to complete its task. In response, Apollo turned the crow’s feathers black, and doomed it to be a symbol of bad luck forever.
Unrelated, the hill’s name, Lycabettus, is derived from the Greek words “lykos” (meaning “wolf”) and “vouno” (meaning “hill”), possibly due to its shape resembling the back of a seated wolf.
History, and then More History
Throughout history, the hill has been used as a strategic vantage point to oversee the surrounding plains and coastal areas. During antiquity, the Athenians constructed defensive fortifications on the hill, adding to its strategic significance. The location provided an advantageous position for the city’s defense against potential invaders. In the Roman period, the hill continued to serve as a lookout and defense point. The Romans, like the Greeks before them, recognized its strategic value and maintained the fortifications.
During the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the hill was still relevant, but the military significance diminished. Instead, it became a site of religious importance. At the top of the hill, a small chapel dedicated to St. George was constructed, and it remained a place of pilgrimage for Christians.
In the 19th century, as Athens expanded, the urban development reached Mount Lycabettus. Various plans were proposed for the hill, including the idea of turning it into a garden, or a recreational area. However, the plans were not realized until the 20th century.
Sights to See
Chapel of St. George: The original chapel was replaced by the current Chapel of St. George, which was constructed in the 19th century. Besides being popular with tourists who climb the hill, the chapel is a popular wedding venue for Athenians.
The Lycabettus Theater: An open-air amphitheater built into the hillside, the amphitheater is a popular venue for concerts and performances of all types of genres. It offers stunning views of Athens and the surrounding city.