Holy Church of Saint George on Lycabettus Hill

The small whitewashed Holy Church of Saint George on Lycabettus Hill in Athens was built in 1870 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Also known as the chapel of Agios Geórgios, it was built on the site of an older Byzantine church dedicated to Profítis Ilías (the Prophet Elijah). Both saints associated with the site are celebrated here on their name days (20th July and 23rd April, respectively).

On the eve of Easter Sunday, a spectacular candlelit procession winds down the peak’s wooded slopes. The hill has a summit restaurant and café and the open-air Lykavittós Theatre, where contemporary jazz, pop and dance performances are held annually during the Athens Festival.

The church is decorated with many icons and frescoes, and the bell tower offers stunning views of Athens, including the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon.

The church is open to the public and is free to visit. Mass is held every Sunday at 9:00 am.

You should definitely check out a few things when you visit the Holy Church of Saint George on Lycabettus Hill.

First, take a look at the church’s exterior, as it is covered in beautiful mosaics that will catch your eye.

Then, head inside to see the stunning frescoes and icons adorning the walls and ceiling.

Don’t forget to visit the crypt – it’s said to be one of the most atmospheric places in the church.

Since you are also on Lycabettus Hill, I would recommend:

• View the stunning view of Athens from the summit, including the Acropolis of Athens
• Take a walk through the beautiful gardens that surround the peak.
• Enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the charming cafes located on the mountain.
• Take a hike through the forest that surrounds the mountain.
• Stroll through the ruins of an ancient monastery on the mountain.
• Enjoy a concert at the open-air amphitheatre that is located on the summit.
• Watch the sunset over Athens from the peak of MountLycabettus.
• Marvel at the city lights of Athens from the summit.

Apart from the fantastic photo opportunities of the church, especially the inside, I also recommend:

• The top of the mountain, with panoramic views of Athens and the Aegean Sea.
• The Temple of Zeus, perched atop the summit.
• The amphitheatre offers dramatic views of the cityscape below.
• The cafes and restaurants, for a drink or meal with a view.
• The pathways and hiking trails, for a nature escape in the heart of the city.
• The sunset spot, to watch the day turn to night over Athens.
• The viewpoint near the Lycabettus TV Tower, for an overview of the city’s layout.
• The Christmas tree in winter, when the slopes of Lycabettus are blanketed in snow.
• The Easter sunrise service, is one of the most beautiful religious ceremonies in Athens.

As the Holy Church of Saint George is on Lycabettus Hill, it has the same opening hours.

Summer (April 1st to October 31st)
Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 02:30

Winter (November 1st to March 31st)
Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 02:30

Closed
January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, December 25th and 26th