Mount Lycabettus, Limestone hill in Athens, Greece.
Lycabettus is a limestone hill that rises three hundred meters above sea level and marks the highest point in central Athens. Its cone-shaped profile stands out from the flatter urban terrain and remains visible from nearly every corner of the city.
The name comes from ancient Greek and means hill of wolves, as wolves once roamed the wooded slopes in earlier times. It remained largely uninhabited until the late nineteenth century and served as a natural landmark for sailors approaching the coast.
The chapel at the summit dates from the nineteenth century and draws visitors seeking a moment of reflection among its white walls. Inside, traditional Orthodox icons line the interior, and locals still come here for baptisms and weddings.
A funicular travels from the Kolonaki neighborhood to the summit in roughly three minutes, while a paved walking path takes around sixty minutes for hikers. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense.
An outdoor theater carved into the slope has hosted performances by international artists such as Ray Charles and Bob Dylan over the years. The shape of the theater uses the natural acoustics of the rock face and offers views over the city during events.
Location: Athens Municipality
Elevation above the sea: 263 m
Part of: Penteliko Mountain
Website: http://lycabettushill.com
GPS coordinates: 37.98187,23.74324
Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:33
Athens offers numerous locations for photography that range from ancient structures to modern urban spaces. The Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus rank among the city's most significant archaeological sites, while neighborhoods like Plaka and Anafiotika provide narrow streets and traditional architecture that contrast with the modern metropolis. Lycabettus Hill and Areopagus Hill offer elevated viewpoints over the city and its ancient ruins. Markets like Varvakios, squares such as Monastiraki and Syntagma, and museums including the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum document different aspects of Greek history and culture. The Panathenaic Stadium and Zappeion Hall showcase neoclassical architecture from the 19th century, while the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center represents contemporary design. These locations provide different perspectives on a city whose history spans more than 3,000 years.
Beyond the standard tourist circuit, Athens contains Byzantine monasteries, historic neighborhoods and specialized museums. The city offers Roman ruins, observation points on multiple hills, traditional bars and cultural centers in former industrial buildings. These sites represent different periods of the Greek capital, from classical antiquity to modern urban development. The collection includes Kaisariani Monastery from Byzantine times, the Temple of Hephaestus as one of the best preserved Greek temples, botanical gardens and neighborhoods such as Psyri and Anafiotika. Museums present toys, musical instruments, coins and scientific collections. Visitors can climb Filopappou Hill or Strefi Hill, visit themed cafes or explore the National Observatory. The selection ranges from ancient sites to contemporary cultural venues.
Museum of Cycladic Art
692 m
Evangelismos Hospital
655 m
Petraki Monastery
622 m
War Museum
749 m
Lycabettus Funicular
177 m
Museum of the History of the Greek Costume
605 m
Saint George Church
12 m
Stathatos Mansion
699 m
Church of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite
443 m
Gennadius Library
464 m
Lycabettus Theatre
411 m
War Museum Athens
743 m
Museum and Study Centre of the Greek Theatre
698 m
Eleftherios Venizelos house
644 m
Ieros Naos Agiou Nikolaou Pefkakion (Athens)
415 m
Italian Embassy, Athens
722 m
Christ Church Athens
324 m
Deligiorgis mansion
675 m
Imia Memorial
744 m
Embassy Theater
475 m
Statue of the actress Kiveli, Athens
731 m
Lycabettus
5 m
Bust of Georgios Rizaris
727 m
Church of Agios Nikolaos Ptochokomiou
660 m
Church of Agios Georgios Rizareiou Scholis
731 m
Statue of Markos Botsaris, Athens War Museum
754 m
Bust of Makarios III, War Museum
740 m
Former Foreign Press Association building, Athens
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