Filopappou Hill

Filopappou Hill, or the Hill of the Nymphs, is the highest summit in the south of Athens at 147m (482 ft) and one of the seven hills of Athens. It is located west of the Acropolis and provides a great view of the city, and a great place to watch sunrises and sunsets.

The hill is also home to many ancient ruins, including an amphitheatre, temples, and a theatre. The name Filopappou comes from the Greek words for “son of Pappus”, who was a famous Athenian.

Filopappou Hill has always played a decisive defensive role in Athens’ history. General, Demetrios Poliorketes built a vital fort overlooking the strategic Piraeus road in 294 BC. The Venetians bombarded the Acropolis from here in 1687.

Built between 114 AD and 116 AD, the Monument of Philopappus on the summit, after which the hill was named, was raised by the Athenians in honour of Caius Julius Antiochus Philopappus, a Roman consul. Its unusual concave marble facade, 12 m (40 ft) high, contains niches with Philopappus and his grandfather statues. 

A frieze around the monument depicts the arrival of Philipappus by chariot for his inauguration as Roman consul in AD 100.

Also on the hill is the pretty Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris, named after an incident in 1656. 

The Ottoman commander at the time, Yusuf Aga, laid plans to fire a huge cannon called ‘Louparda’, situated by the Propylaia at the worshippers in the church as they celebrated the feast day of Agios Dimitrios. However, the night before the feast, lightning struck the Propylaia, miraculously killing the commander and his family.

The pine-covered slopes of Filopappou Hill offer a pleasantly shaded maze of paths leading through monuments marking centuries of history.

On the first day of Lent (Clean Monday), the hill is swarmed with hundreds of Athenians, who traditionally gather to fly kites.

Climb to the top of Filopappou Hill for stunning views of Athens and the Acropolis.

Walk to the top of Filopappou Hill for stunning views of Athens and the Acropolis. The view from the top of Filopappou Hill is one of the best in Athens. You can see the Acropolis, as well as most of the city.

Visit the Monument of Philopappus.

The Monument of Philopappus is located on the summit of Filopappou Hill. It was built by the Athenians in honour of Caius Julius Antiochus Philopappus, a Roman consul. It’s an interesting piece of architecture, and it’s definitely worth seeing.

The monument is made out of concave marble, and it’s 12 m (40 ft) high. There are niches with statues of Philopappus and his grandfather. There is also a frieze around the monument that depicts the arrival of Philipappus by chariot for his inauguration as Roman consul in AD 100.

Take a stroll through the pine-covered areas.

You will feel refreshed and inspired after taking in the natural surroundings. The perfect place to clear your mind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Fly a kite on Clean Monday, the first day of Lent.

When the hill is swarmed with locals. Filopappou Hill is a great place to fly a kite on Clean Monday, the first day of Lent. On this day, the hill is swarmed with locals flying kites of all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your morning, head to Filopappou Hill and join in on the fun.

Visit the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris

Sitting atop the Filopappou Hill is the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris, and it’s a beautiful sight to behold. It’s named after an incident that took place in 1656. The Ottoman commander at the time, Yusuf Aga, laid plans to fire a huge cannon called ‘Louparda’ at the worshippers in the church as they celebrated the feast day of Agios Dimitrios. However, the night before the feast, lightning struck the Propylaia, miraculously killing the commander and his family.

Filopappou Hill is one of the most popular places in Athens for photo opportunities. The views from the hill are incredible, and there are plenty of different spots to choose from for taking photos. If you’re looking for a place to get some great shots of the city, Filopappou Hill is definitely the place to go. Here is our list of best places:

The view of the Acropolis from the top of Filopappou Hill is one of the most famous and photographed views in Athens.

The abandoned quarry at the hill’s summit is popular for hikers. It offers spectacular views of the city of Athens, Piraeus and beyond.

The Byzantine chapel near the summit is also a popular spot for photos.

The ruins of the Roman Temple of Zeus are a must-see for history buffs and offer great views of Athens.

Filopappou Hill is also a great spot to take pictures of the sunset.

Hiking or biking through the forest on the north side of the hill is a great way to get away from the city and enjoy nature.

The south side of Filopappou Hill offers great views of the Saronic Gulf.

The east side of the hill provides panoramic views of Athens and its neighbourhoods.

The west side of the hill offers beautiful views of Athens and the surrounding parts.

The ancient walls surrounding the summit of Filopappou Hill make for an excellent backdrop for photos.

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