At the top of Mount Likavitos, the eyes of all visitors to Athens converge. This hill beckons with amazing power, and those who climb it enjoy a stunning panorama and the serene atmosphere of the holy place.
The Lycavitos Hill, rising almost 300 meters above Athens, has been observing the life of the capital since time immemorial. Although it was not always like this: the Greeks owe the appearance of the new landmark to Athena. According to legend, taking a piece of rock Pentelicon, the goddess went to the Acropolis to elevate the mountain and her own sanctuary built there to the heavens. But the wise Athena was not destined to fulfill her plans: on her way she met two ravens who brought bad tidings on their wings. Furious, Athena threw the mountain to the ground and the dust that rose from the impact turned all the ravens black. Such events marked the beginning of the history of Mount Lycabettus.
The name of the hill is translated as "wolf mountain" - and not in vain. For in ancient times, from the foot to the top of Likavitos Hill was covered with a dense pine forest, the pine aroma of which was intoxicating to the mind. The coolness of the pines and cypresses was also loved by wolves, who flooded these woods until the Athenians erected a sanctuary of Zeus at the top of the hill. The Byzantine emperors decided to build a church of St. Siderius on the site of the temple of Zeus. The church stood for almost 9 centuries, but in 1930byla destroyed by fire. However, a year later the building was restored and along with novymoblikom got a new name. Now at the top of Lycabettes St. George's Chapel stands with its white walls.
But this church is known and loved not only among tourists. The Greeks themselves deeply venerate this place, considering the hills in Athens to be holy. There is even a whole tradition: on Easter, Greeks climb to the top of the hill, sincerely pray, light candles - and then go down to the city with still burning candles in their hands. Bringing a candle lit on Likavitos Hill is a sure sign of good luck to come. People also climb the mountain for no reason. Athenians are very fond of resting at the top from the hustle and bustle of the megapolis. Relaxing over a cup of coffee, brewed in one of the coffee houses on the hill, you can watch the life of Athens spread out below like a celestial. And the air of Lycabettes, filled with the wonderful smell of pine trees, cleanses the lungs and fills everyone with a desire to live.
Travelers should climb the hills of Athens, if only for the panorama that opens from their tops. By the way, the "wolf mountain" is even higher than the Acropolis, because it rises above the capital city at 277 meters. You can get to this height by cable car, which allows you to admire the views below. The toughest choose the path of the ancient Greeks - and climb to the top on foot. However, if a tourist is limited in time, you can choose a cab. And if you go to the bottom of the hill at the right time, you can get to one of the major concerts, which gathers all of Greece. Events are held only in summer, and the stage for them is a large-scale theater, arranged directly under the open sky.
