Plaka - Anafiotika - Lykavitos

PLAKA This is Athens' oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood. You will be delighted by the neo-classical houses, their elegance and the atmosphere of the area.Even the air in teh area is different, like a gift from the gods. It is a sort of labyrinth, you may get the feeling that you are lost, but with Acropolis uphill and Monastiraki downhill you orientate yourself easily.

ANAFIOTIKA When the first King of Greece, King Othon, decided to built himself a palace he was informed that the people from Anafi ( a small island of Cyclades) were faamous for their building skill. He invited them to the capital, to start work at the palace. Being homesick of their beloved homeland they decided to recreate it at the foot of Acropolis. The result is an Aegean island village at the foot of the hill. They built small white houses in the exact style of their home village. Anafiotika means the Anafian's neighbourhood an area unique and charming which you are urged to visit.

LYKAVITOS HILL Do not miss the view from the top of this 910ft hill. Because of its height, it is a landmark visible from almost every part of the capital. Its name reflects a popular belief that the hill was inhabited by wolves. The majestic peak is an important tourist destination. From the top one can see a panorama of the entire city and the theatre, used for concerts and spectacles. Legend has it that goddess Athena wanted her temple on the hill Acropolis to be closer to the sky. One stormy night she went to Mount Penteli and extracted a huge rock which she intended to place on top of the existing one. Unfortumately as she was carrying it two black birds attacked her and made her drop the rock right in the middle of Athens. In her furry and hurry she left the rock there and chassed the birds and the hill has been in the middle of Athens ever since. Lykavitos has always been the favorite place of the romantics. On the highest point the 19th century beautiful white church of Agios Georgios may attract you. It was erected on the site of a Byzantine church of Prophet Elijah. The hill is covered with sweet smelling pine trees and cypresses. You can reach the top of Mt. Lycabettus either by foot (there are many footpaths), by car or by a funicular (railway) which can be taken from the corner Aristipou & Ploutarchou Streets. To the funicular you can go by taxi or from the Evangelissmos subway station.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION