LYCABETTUS HILL
AMAZING PANORAMIC VIEW!
Lycabettus Hill is the highest hill in the center of Athens and the second highest of the seven hills of the city. The altitude reaches almost 280 meters from the level of the sea and it can be accessed through two ways. The old-fashioned way of climbing up the stairs from the north east side of the hill or using the cable car from the south side and then walking a small distance in the rock.
The view from the hill of Lycabettus renders speechless even the most demanding visitor as the whole city of Athens with its suburbs lies in front of you. The unique image that the visitor will view when observing the Athenian Riviera and the harbor of Piraeus will mingle with the feeling of the exceptional sensation seeing the islands of Aegina and Salamis at close distance from Athens.
On the top of the hill there is the small Orthodox Church of Saint George which is almost 200 years old. Close to the last steps of the hill there is a restaurant that offers Greek and international cuisine and a cafeteria which serves the visitors every day from early in the morning until late at night. In close proximity to the hill there is the old summer theater of Lycabettus where concerts have been given by the most famous artists of the world.
KOLONAKI
The Athenians, during ancient times, wanted to build their best monuments on the hill of Lycabettus but the lack of water was deterrent whereas the hill of Acropolis had a natural spring of water. After the establishment of the New Greek state and naming Athens the capital of Greece, the construction of the palace for the new king starts in the center of Athens. The wealthy families of the era wanted to live close to the palace of the royal family but they did not want to lose the view of Acropolis. For that reason, they started constructing their houses around the hill of Lycabettus as it was considered the most appropriate location for them.
KOLONAKI SQUARE
The area of Lycabettus was enriched and developed becoming the most popular neighborhood which was named Kolonaki. The name came from the construction of a column as a base of an ancient temple which was not completed as the place was evaluated as inappropriate for that era. Today, Kolonaki is the most famous neighborhood of Athens inundated with expensive stores, cafeterias and small restaurants while the hill of Lycabettus remains a unique spot for relaxation and calmness having the most breathtaking view. Every Athenian who craves to get acquainted with the fame of the neighborhood and desires to feel within the rules of the modern life style makes a stop at the famous square of Kolonaki.
ATHENS DAY TOUR, WORTH LIVING!
You too have the possibility of enjoying the view from the hill of Lycabettus and acquire the experience of the Kolonaki neighborhood accompanied by experienced local tour guides. You can combine the panoramic view of Lycabettus with visiting the Greek Parliament and the impressive Change of Guards, the Presidential House, the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis Hill, the Plaka, the Ancient Agora and many other popular destinations.
“MY GREECE TOURS” offers tailor-made Day Tours in Athens for everyone who is visiting this unique destination. Keep reading to find out more information on day tours in Athens.
