Penteliko Mountain, Mountain peak in North Athens Regional Unit, Greece

Penteliko Mountain rises to approximately 1,100 meters northeast of Athens with forests covering much of its slopes. The mountain features varied terrain and natural passages carved by water over time.

In the 5th century BCE, ancient Greeks quarried white marble from the mountain to build the Parthenon and other key Athenian structures. This marble remained valuable for classical construction over many centuries.

The mountain's ancient name, Vrilittos, survives in the suburb of Vrilissia at its foot. Quarrymen came from across Greece, especially the Cyclades, and built small chapels for their worship; monks later settled in caves and huts in the forests. The Monastery of Penteli, founded in 1578, was a spiritual centre under Ottoman rule and held a school and library.

Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water as trails vary in difficulty depending on the route chosen. The best time to explore is from spring through early fall when weather is more stable.

The white marble here has a subtle yellowish tint that glows softly when hit by direct sunlight. This quality made it favored by classical builders and set it apart from other marble sources.