Experiencing Athens’ Best Views at Philopappos Hill

Built entirely out of traditional limestone, the Philopappos Monument sits at the top of the hill and is renowned for its familial history, dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos (famously known as Philopappus or Filopappou), who was a Roman senator, and gifted by his sister and the city of Athens.

Despite not being a Greek national (but having lived in Athens for an extended period of time), Philopappus was highly respected as a cultural and political icon as he contributed enormously to the ancient Greek lifestyle. He was much appreciated by Greek philosophers and historians for his good faith and generous investments in Athenian cultural life through his active involvement in local theatres, choruses, and games throughout the Roman Empire. After his death, the people of Athens built a white marble tomb in his honour in 119 AD. Having been destroyed in the 17th Century and thus a ruin as of today, the decorative remains of the monument as well as his statue alongside his grandfather’s are still visible to this day and lie on top of the hill for all to see.

The Philopappos Hill is also known as the Hill of Muses as it is not only a sanctuary dedicated to Philopappus, but also to a famous Greek philosopher and poet named Musaeus.

Indeed, philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle, or Plato insisted that many of their moral beliefs and poetic works were heavily inspired by Musaeus’s religious notions, regarding him as a prophet of higher power. Strolling through the narrow alleys of pines and olive trees and across the Nymph and Pnyx hillsides, there is no doubt that the Hill of Muses hosts enchanting secrets of beauty. But the most surreal feature of all is its location - the very heart of Athens!

In addition to the Philopappos Monument, you will also run into other archeological sites such as a cave-like structure barred off with ancient, rusty fences nested within the hill’s rock, believed to be the Prison of Socrates,where the innovative Greek philosopher was locked up for his opposing western moral rhetoric during his trial in 399 BC, or yet again the Tombs of Kimon,where the Olympic victor and historian Thucydides is said to be buried since 450 BC.

Finally, in addition to the quaint yet charming ancient church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris on the east side of the hill, you may also stumble across the Filopappou Theatre, or The Dora Stratou Dance Theatre, located on the western wing of the hill, built in honour of Dora Stratou. 

Dora Stratou was a famous Greek dancer who actively preserved local music and dance culture through her conducting of traditional folklore performances (with original costumes, jewellery, and embroidery) at her very own dancing society that is still active today! Indeed, you may have the chance to assist revisited interpretations of her original dance numbers at this grand 860-seater garden amphitheatre.

Thanks to its more-than-flexible visiting hours (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), you can visit the Philopappos Hill free of charge and at any time of day. The locals often head over to the hill for sunset hours to enjoy eating and drinking with their loved ones on a bench or picnic blanket whilst taking in the panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis, ancient Agora, and Aegean sea. Indeed, if you are visiting Athens in the summer, it is highly recommended you visit the hill either early in the morning or as the sun sets to avoid peak heat times.

Completely safe and easy to walk on, you and your family can enjoy casually strolling and taking in the many wonderful sites the hill has to offer as well as its joyful occasional events, such as kite-flying on ‘Clean Monday’, outdoor picnics, or public theatrical performances! Finally, for the more adventurous, the hill is also known as an idyllic place for locals to rock climb on the southern cliffs thanks to its medium-quality limestone and cryptic marble edges.

You can reach the bottom of Philopappos Hill by bus (nearest stop called the “Akropole” on the line 230) or metro (line M2 to “Acropoli” stop) from the city centre. 

For those coming from the Piraeus cruise port, you may take the metro from the nearest Piraeus station and take the M1 line to “Thisio”, then walk approximately 12 minutes until you reach the hill. 

Note: Although well paved, the hill is quite steep, therefore, it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes to walk up to its peak at 147 metres. And don’t forget water!

There is an extensive choice of hotels to book in the Koukaki area of Athens located 500 metres from the Philopappos Hill. Let me help you out with a couple of suggestions:

1. With an exceptional view of the hill, the Neoma Hotel offers a 5-star experience for its guests right in the heart of exciting Athens. Conveniently located near a central metro station (Syngrou/Fix), this hotel allows visitors to walk around the neighbourhood with the security of having public transport at their disposal at any time. Equipped with a restaurant, gym area, garden, and outdoor pool, the Neoma brings about the best possible experience for any given group - from families to couples to solo travellers looking to unwind in good weather, good company and in an exceptional setting! So what are you waiting for? Book your room now:

2. If you are looking for a lower budget yet central alternative, the Earos Urban Living hotel answers your needs. Enjoy comfortable, recently renovated rooms with minimal noise on a quiet street all the while living the luxury of having your very own kitchen space. That’s right, say no to waking up to hotel breakfast hours and hello to stay-in dining! The most brilliant fact about this hotel: it is less than 3 km away from the start of all Athenian attractions AND the breezy Aegean coast. The absolute perfect in-between if you are searching for an ideally balanced city-to-beach ratio for your model Greek holiday!