Perched atop the highest peak of Lycabettus hill in Athens lies the Church of St. George. This captivating whitewashed domed basilica, constructed in 1782, consists of only one aisle. As the sun sets, visitors can witness a spellbinding view from the summit of the hill.
Unfortunately, although its location is remarkable, there is very little known about the history of the church. It is said that it was built on the same spot as the temple of Zeus in antiquity. During the period of turkish occupation, another christian orthodox church — possibly the church of the prophet Elijah — was also located here.
For many years, due to the steepness of the incline, the church was neglected. It wasn’t until 1834 when a monk called Emmanuel Luludakis decided to climb Lycabettus and clear the ruins. He then reconstructed the chapel dedicated to the prophet Elijah and St. George. When Emmanuel did not come back from his climb, the locals thought he had died. But three years later, the lights on the top of the hill were spotted and the athenians went to investigate. There they found a monk tending a garden and patio. The residents then funded the construction of a road to the chapel, which was visited during easter and st. George’s day. Monk Emmanuel died in 1885 and his tomb is next to the church, where extraordinary occurrences are said to happen.
Queen Olga bestowed a grand bell tower on the citizens of Athens near the close of the 19th century, and it is now a symbol of the church’s history. Marble engravings were discovered nearby, suggesting that at one time a burial ground existed there. The walls of the church are typically decorated with depictions of Jesus' life. On the floor, one can find an inscription that reads it was metropolitan Benedict of Athens who set up the chapel of St. George. The chapels, both dedicated to prophet Elijah and St. Constantine, were built in 1885.
If you decide to explore the chapels located near the Evangelismos station, you can get there by metro or bus 060 to the «4 Likavittu» stop. Once you are there, you must ascend the 277 meter-high hill on foot, with the assistance of a funicular, or a taxi. Be aware that vehicles are not allowed to drive to the peak of the hill, so you will have to walk the final stretch.
The funicular leaves Plutarchiu and Aristippus every half an hour. It operates from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
