Photo: Georgios Makkas

Church of Agios Georgios Lycabettus

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Head to this whitewashed 18th century crowd-pleaser to enjoy one of Athens’ most spectacular look-outs.

When was it built

The church of Saint George was built in the 18th century.

What's the story

A Byzantine-era church was previously located here. Traces of a temple dedicated to Zeus have also been found.

Why it's important

The whitewash and architectural style are a definite departure from most churches of the same period. The bell tower was built in 1902 with a donation from Nicholas Thon, a wealthy landowner and member of King Othon’s court. The large bell was made in Russia and given to the church by Queen Amalia.

Must-see

The adjacent hermit’s cell, built in the 19th century by a Cretan monk who lived out his life atop the hill, next to the church he founded.

Fun fact

The noted 19th-century architect Ernst Ziller proposed a redesign of the church to create a miniature replica of the National Observatory on the Hill of the Nymphs. But his plan was shelved because it was too costly.

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Photo: Georgios Makkas

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Church of Agios Georgios Lycabettus

Head to this whitewashed 18th century crowd-pleaser to enjoy one of Athens’ most spectacular look-outs.