Lycabettus Hill

February 18, 2026

From the Acropolis the other day, the Temple of Hephaestus was visible northwest, and appeared to be very-well preserved. Upon arrival,  the site containing the Temple was closed. A nearby sign indicated construction of a new entranceway had closed the site for two days. Nevertheless, we circumambulated the fence around the site for a multiple views of the temple (1), and watched a local vendor feeding the feral cats (2).

The Guard changing ceremony a the tomb of the unknown soldier was kind-of on the way to our next destination, and it was about the top of the hour, so we stopped to see. The visiting Armenian President had stopped by this morning to lay a wreath, which helps to explain the Armenian flags fluttering in Syntagma square.

About two miles from the hotel lies Lycabettus (3) Hill, known for its hilltop chapel and sunset views. Most of the hike was up through city streets (4), with the final 1/2 mile or so in a city park surrounding the hill. The hike in the city park was along well-maintained dirt and paved trails. The small summit got increasingly crowded as sunset approached (5), with a wide variety languages being spoken, except when different groups spoke to each other, always in English. While the sunset was very nice, looking northeast revealed vibrant purple hues as the night approached. The descent was well-lilt as we watched Venus chase the sun to the horizon and the waxing crescent moon setting to the east.

(1) The metro line to Piraeus runs within the northern fence-line of the Archeological site, the graffitied train offering a stark contrast to the ancient site. 

(2) Setting out a pouch of food for three cats, they hungrily ate the proffered food. She then opened a can of food labelled something like "Bargain" on the can. Two of the cats continued to eat, while a third turned up his nose at the bargain food, hoping for more of the good stuff. We bought a pair of earrings and gave the change to the vendor to buy more cat food.

(3) Lycabettus means Wolf Hill, named for the creatures that once roamed its rocky heights. 

(4) We bought a tea kettle painted with cats we espied in a shop window on the way. Having a faux argument with my wife about who would "lug" the kettle up the hill, I said could not because I was carrying a large cookie we had brought to sustain us. The shopkeeper helpfully offered to eat the cookie  so I could carry the kettle!

(5) Most people ascended and descended via the funicular; the trails were fairly quiet.

The Temple of Hephaestus, viewed from outside the Archeological site

Painted door

Greek Orthodox Flag

Wandering through Monastariki Square. We passed by frequently; the square was between our hotel and most of the tourist sites.

Changing of the Guard

Wreath laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the visiting Armenian President this morning

On the hike to up Lycabettus

At Lycabettus summit

The Parthenon, view from Lycabettus 

View west to Mt. Parnitha National Park

Striking the colors (for some reason about a half-hour before sunset)

Sunset over the Saronic Gulf

The lights come on at the Acropolis

Night closing in from the East over the Kaisariani Aesthetic Forest. 

The purple hues were quite striking.

The 1896 Olympic stadium

This non-challant cat may have been photographed by more people than the sunset was.

Descent back to the city

Waxing crescent moonset