Mount Lycabettus, at 277 meters and found in the Kolonaki district of Athens, stands proud guard over the city.

History

The small rocky mountain came into being in the 1800’s and in 1880, many pine trees were planted to make it a forested and pleasant area. Alas, back then Athens also had many goats roaming freely so they would feast on the vegetation.

Until 1915 the reforestation continued, and the goats became less and less (you certainly won’t see any now)–so the forest on the mountain thrived.

In 1835 the mount was illuminated for the first time, with one hundred lanterns shaped like the letter ‘O’ (Omicron).

Facilities

There are two chapels on Mount Lycabettus:

• The famous one that stands out is the Chapel Of St George, constructed in 1870 and where many baptisms still take place.