Lycabettus

From Phantis
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Lykavittos (Greek: Λυκαβηττός; traditionally Lycabettus in Latin and English) is a Cretaceous limestone hill in Athens, Greece. At 277 meters above sea level, the hill (also known as Lycabettos or Lykabettos) is the highest point in the city that surrounds it. Pine trees cover its base, and at its peak are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant. It is a popular tourist destination and can be ascended by cable car (from Kolonaki).

Lykavittos appears in various legends. Popular stories say that it was once the refuge of wolves, possibly the origin of its name (which means "hill of the wolves"). Mythologically, Lykavittos is credited to Athena, who created it when she dropped a mountain she had been carrying from Pallene for the construction of the Acropolis.

References