Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus rising from Athens.

Saint George's chapel on top Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus, also known as Lycabettos, Lykabettos or Lykavittos (Greek: Λυκαβηττός, pronounced [likaviˈtos]), is a Cretaceous limestone hill in Athens, Greece. At 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, the hill is the highest point in the city that surrounds it. Pine trees cover its base, and at its peak are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant.

The hill is a popular tourist destination and can be ascended by the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway which climbs the hill from a lower terminus at Kolonaki (The railway station can be found at Aristippou street). Lycabettus appears in various legends. Popular stories suggest it was once the refuge of wolves, possibly the origin of its name (which means "the one (the hill) that is walked by wolves"). Mythologically, Lycabettus is credited to Athena, who created it when she dropped a mountain she had been carrying from Pallene for the construction of the Acropolis after the box holding Erichthonius was opened.

The hill also has a large open-air theater at the top, which has housed many Greek and international concerts.

Panorama from Mount Lycabettus, with a view of the Panathinaiko Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hellenic Parliament, and the Acropolis of Athens.

References

• Boguslawski, Alexander (2000). "Lykavittos Hill." Retrieved August 30, 2005.

Coordinates: 37°58′55″N 23°44′35″E / 37.98194°N 23.74306°E / 37.98194; 23.74306