Saint George Church, Church on Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Greece.
Saint George Church is a medieval single-aisle basilica on the summit of Lycabettus Hill, built on the foundations of an earlier ruined church. Two later chapels, dedicated to the Prophet Elijah and Saint Constantine, were added to the structure. An inscription on the floor records its consecration by Benedict, Metropolitan of Athens (1782–1785).
Two inscriptions found on the site record that it first held the burial place of Anastasios Charkeos and E. Orantas, described as a "different cemetery". When the earliest church fell into ruin, a new single-aisle basilica was built on the same foundations for Saint George. A floor inscription states that the chapel was consecrated by Benedict, Metropolitan of Athens (1782–1785); two side chapels, of the Prophet Elijah and of Saint Constantine, were added later.
The hill itself is known by the name of Saint George, and the church at its highest point draws many visitors. Inside, a floor inscription records that the chapel was consecrated by Benedict, Metropolitan of Athens, between 1782 and 1785. Two later side chapels honour the Prophet Elijah and Saint Constantine.
Reach the church by walking up the hill or using the funicular railway that connects the base to the summit. Either route allows visitors to choose an ascent suited to their comfort level.
Two inscriptions found at the site show it was originally a burial place, recorded as the tomb of Anastasios Charkeos and E. Orantas and as a "different cemetery". The medieval church was later built on the same foundations, and two chapels, of the Prophet Elijah and of Saint Constantine, were added.
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