Hippocrene, Sacred spring on Mount Helicon, Greece
Hippocrene is a spring on the slopes of Mount Helicon in Boeotia, central Greece, emerging from a rock outcrop at high elevation. The clear water flows in this mountainous region known for its connections to the ancient world.
The spring was a place of pilgrimage in ancient times and was visited and documented by ancient travel writers such as Pausanias. It played a role in the beliefs and stories of the people who inhabited these mountains.
The spring has been linked to poetry and artistic inspiration since ancient times, appearing in classical texts that tell of its legendary origins. Visitors find themselves at a place that has held meaning for writers and creative thinkers across centuries.
Access is via a marked hiking trail that starts from the Valley of the Muses near the village of Thespiai and requires some walking time. The terrain is mountainous and calls for basic hiking ability and appropriate footwear.
According to tradition, the spring came into being at the spot where the mythical winged horse Pegasus struck the ground with his hoof. This connection to the Pegasus legend makes the place feel special to many who visit.
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