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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
Mount Lycabettus (Greek: Λυκαβηττός) is a limestone hill and as a famous
child it has many variations of its name like Lykavittos, Lycabettos
and Lykabettos as well as stories of its history. We know as a fact that the
hill is 277 meters above sea level making it the highest peak of seven hills
around Athens. At its peak there is the 19th century Chapel of St. George and a
restaurant called Orizontes.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
You can get there by climbing up about 250 steps from
the side of the city center, taking a taxi behind the peak and climbing up about 140
steps or taking a short ride with a cable railway (Teleferik) from the corner
of Aristippou and Ploutarhou streets ending up climbing about 50 steps.
Needless to say, you need a lot of water, snacks and some tissues to accomplish
your journey.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
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After all of the climbing sit back and be amazed of a
full 360° view over the city below you. I bet no-one minds the cool breeze on a
hot summer day either. Mount Lycabettus is especially useful to Athens virgins
unfolding the city like a 3D pop up map on front of them before exploring the
city. On a clear day you can spot all the places from Kolonaki and Excarhia on
your feet all the way to Pireaus by the Saronic Gulf on the other side of the
city. You turn around, and same goes all the way to Mount Parnassos in the
north.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
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It is the once-in-a-lifetime place to be on sunset
watching orange sun turning to pink and dropping down between the mountains.
Few minutes more of waiting will be rewarded by the light up city with its jewels like Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Ancient Agora glittering on their magical evening glory.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
At the summit of Mount Lycabettus stands the sweet
little Chapel of St. George with a Greek flag and a bit separated bell tower. The
little church is traditionally dressed with blue and white coat having a true
haven of peacefulness inside. The faithful ones who attended that church every
Sunday should be awarded somehow, but it is a nice venue for some windy
weddings nowadays.
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| Copuright 2011 Jan |
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
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There is also a
café/restaurant one level below and kind of around the Chapel. It is pricy but
has indisputably the best panoramic views from the patio over the city and it
is romantic venue for couples to spend some time together.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
No need to explain where this sight is, just look up
from anywhere from the city of Athens and you will understand.
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| Copyright 2011 Jan |
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