Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill
4.5
About
This hill is a favorite for weekending Athenians who come here to picnic and admire the breathaking views.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Thissio / Makriyanni
Named after the well-preserved Thission (ancient temple of Hephaestus), Thissio is blessed with a small wooded park and some less frenetic streets that offer numerous quieter places to stay and eat. Largely pedestrianized Apostolou Pavlou Street runs between the Acropolis and forested Filopappou Hill, well worth climbing for more great panoramas, until it merges with Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. This leads to the up-and-coming area of Makriyanni, whose centerpiece is the magnificent new Acropolis Museum. Opposite the museum is the entrance to the southern slopes of the Acropolis, while the eponymous metro station nearby is at the top of Makriyanni Street, another strip of touristic cafés and restaurants.
How to get there
- Neos Kosmos • 5 min walk
- Syngrou Fix • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
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3,680 within 3 miles
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618 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- StacyMacDonaldCalgary, Canada235 contributionsSpend some time at this Hill and all it has to offerPhilopappos Hill is a nice green space across from the bottom of the main entrance to Areopagus and the Acropolis. It's an easy walk to the Philopappos Monument and there's other attractions in the park, including Socrates' jail and the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris (which has some interesting brick work). You'll also get great views of the city and the Acropolis from the top and during parts of the walk up. We could have spent more time in the area, had we not had a plane to catch, so be sure not to leave this spot to the last moment.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- davetheguideTel Aviv, Israel5,671 contributionsIf the weather's nice and sunny - just goThe hike up to the top of the hill is easy. Takes just a few minutes through a park-like setting. We did this on a nice sunny winter day. The views of the city, of the Acropolis and of the sea were all spectacular. It's a must viewpoint for first-time visitors to Athens.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 24, 2023
- 2016Annette13Baden, Switzerland277 contributionsVery worth the little hikeThe view of the acropolis from up the hill is iconic! And what's more, you see how big Athens is, with the acropolis nestled in the middle. Also, check out the prison of Socrates and the monument of the muses on top. You might get inspired ;-) And if you're lucky, you will meet a turtle. They are wise too.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 13, 2024
- HOLIDAYTRAVELLER94Ripley, United Kingdom139 contributionsWorth a lookA walk up the hill is worth a look. It’s not a big climb and it is up marked paths (start at the kiosk at the main car park for the acropolis) The views of the city and the coast are stunning and there are some interesting bits up here. Plenty of places to sit on way up.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- Stacey SoleilTulsa, Oklahoma21 contributionsA Dream Come True!Such a glorious and otherworldly view. The entire trip I felt like I was a fabulous character in a book versus being an actual person who was standing there looking at all of these ruins. I often wonder if the people who live there take their views for granted. I could go back time and time again.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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espeon
30 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
we went just before dinner to see the sunset and took a stroll up, beautiful views all the way up and it wasn’t too busy despite the time. i would definitely recommend going up at sunset, very romantic setting and view of the whole of athens from every side. wonderful end to our holiday
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gniteIrene
Toronto, Canada943 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I decided on the spur of the moment to climb up Philopappos Hill on the day I arrived in Athens. It was only a 10 minute uphill walk from my apartment in Koukaki to reach one of the entrances to the park. I read stories about not walking alone but I felt safe up here at 7:00 pm. This is a lovely, relaxing walk in nature right in the city of Athens. Walking on the marble, slippery rock, limestone and narrow cobblestone paths and steps, surrounded by pine and olive trees and viewing the many archeological sites along the way made for an enjoyable and satisfying first day in Athens. Of course my first view of the Parthenon from above the top of the hill , the Aegean Sea, the sprawl of Athens and the beautiful sunset capped it all off. I spent just over an hour here but could have easily spent a few more hours.
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherlock arting
Rome, GA136 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
The Philopappos Monument is an ancient Greek mausoleum and monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, (65–116 AD), a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. It is located on Mouseion Hill in Athens, Greece, southwest of the Acropolis.
Philopappos’ monument is a two-story structure, supported by a base. On the lower level there is a frieze representing Philopappos as a consul, riding on a chariot and led by lictors. The upper level shows statues of three men: of Antiochus IV on the left, of Philopappos in the centre and of Seleucus I Nicator, now lost, on the right.
In the niche below Philopappos is an inscription in Greek: Φιλόπαππος Επιφάνους Βησαιεύς ("Philopappos, son of Epiphanes of the deme of the Besa"). This was the name Philopappos carried as an Athenian citizen. In the niche left of Philopappos, a Latin inscription records Philopappos’ titles, honors and his career as a Roman magistrate: "Caius Iulius Antiochus Philopappos, son of Caius, of the Fabian tribe, consul and Arval brother, admitted to the praetorian rank by the emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Optimus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus". On the right niche of Philopappos once stood a Greek inscription (now only the base is preserved): Βασιλεύς Αντίοχος Φιλόπαππος Βασιλέως Επιφανούς Αντιόχου ("King Antiochus Philopappos, son of King Antiochus Epiphanes").
Below the statue of Antiochus IV, Philopappos' paternal grandfather, is an inscription that states "King Antiochus son of King Antiochus". This inscription honors Antiochus IV and his late father, the last independent ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene, King Antiochus III Epiphanes. When Antiochus III died in 17, Commagene was annexed by the Roman Emperor Tiberius and became a part of the Roman Empire. Below the statue of Seleucus I, the founder of the Seleucid Empire from whom the Commagene kings claimed descent, stood another inscription, now lost. The traveller Cyriacus of Ancona wrote in his memoir that underneath the inscription stated "King Seleucus Nicator, son of Antiochus".
The monument measures 9.80 by 9.30 metres (32.2 ft × 30.5 ft), and contains Philopappos’ burial chamber. The structure is built of white Pentelic marble on a socle 3.08 metres (10.1 ft) high, made of porous marble and veneered with slabs of Hymettian marble. The north side of Philopappos’ monument bears lavish architectural decorations
Philopappos’ monument is a two-story structure, supported by a base. On the lower level there is a frieze representing Philopappos as a consul, riding on a chariot and led by lictors. The upper level shows statues of three men: of Antiochus IV on the left, of Philopappos in the centre and of Seleucus I Nicator, now lost, on the right.
In the niche below Philopappos is an inscription in Greek: Φιλόπαππος Επιφάνους Βησαιεύς ("Philopappos, son of Epiphanes of the deme of the Besa"). This was the name Philopappos carried as an Athenian citizen. In the niche left of Philopappos, a Latin inscription records Philopappos’ titles, honors and his career as a Roman magistrate: "Caius Iulius Antiochus Philopappos, son of Caius, of the Fabian tribe, consul and Arval brother, admitted to the praetorian rank by the emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Optimus Augustus Germanicus Dacicus". On the right niche of Philopappos once stood a Greek inscription (now only the base is preserved): Βασιλεύς Αντίοχος Φιλόπαππος Βασιλέως Επιφανούς Αντιόχου ("King Antiochus Philopappos, son of King Antiochus Epiphanes").
Below the statue of Antiochus IV, Philopappos' paternal grandfather, is an inscription that states "King Antiochus son of King Antiochus". This inscription honors Antiochus IV and his late father, the last independent ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene, King Antiochus III Epiphanes. When Antiochus III died in 17, Commagene was annexed by the Roman Emperor Tiberius and became a part of the Roman Empire. Below the statue of Seleucus I, the founder of the Seleucid Empire from whom the Commagene kings claimed descent, stood another inscription, now lost. The traveller Cyriacus of Ancona wrote in his memoir that underneath the inscription stated "King Seleucus Nicator, son of Antiochus".
The monument measures 9.80 by 9.30 metres (32.2 ft × 30.5 ft), and contains Philopappos’ burial chamber. The structure is built of white Pentelic marble on a socle 3.08 metres (10.1 ft) high, made of porous marble and veneered with slabs of Hymettian marble. The north side of Philopappos’ monument bears lavish architectural decorations
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,876 contributions
Jan 2022
Philopappus hill is a great place to go for a great view, some interesting monuments like Philopappus monument and the Prison of Socrates, a nice walk around away from the busy (although there are other tourists) city and some good green areas to enjoy some "nature". The view especially is great as you can see the gorgeous Acropolis, other hills, the city and even the sea with a couple of islands. In total everything will take about one and a half hour. It is not the number 1 thing to do in Athens, but if you are here I will absolutely recommend it. The start is close to an entrance of the Acropolis, so it is nice to combine these two maybe also with Areopagus hill.
Written January 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland5,957 contributions
Aug 2022
I visited here at the end of August 2022. I decided to take a walk up Philopappos hill to enjoy some evening views. The walk up was straightforward and there are some wonderful views at the top. It was 7pm when I arrived at the main monument and there were plenty of other people about.
I stayed up here for over an hour and my favourite view was on nearby Phyx hill as by the time I got there the sun was starting to set and there were fabulous views across to the Acropolis.
I came down out of the hills on the Thissio side which is full off restaurants and cafes with views of the Acropolis.
I stayed up here for over an hour and my favourite view was on nearby Phyx hill as by the time I got there the sun was starting to set and there were fabulous views across to the Acropolis.
I came down out of the hills on the Thissio side which is full off restaurants and cafes with views of the Acropolis.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaitanya
Cambridge, Canada1,457 contributions
Sep 2022
We reached Philopappos Hill after finishing our visit to the site of Acropolis.
Its right across from the Acropolis site and takes about 30mins to get to a decent spot on the hill to be able to see the site.
Its a great place to rest and check out sunset.
Sunset it on the back side over city of Athens, sunrise would be over Acropolis.
At sunset, you get to see the colours of Acropolis and some light shines on the site.
I would say its a better spot for sunrise if you want to see Acropolis side in the morning.
Nice place to come for a picnic or just rest and enjoy the afternoon/sunset time.
Worth visiting - although recommended to visit during sunset or sunrise.
Its right across from the Acropolis site and takes about 30mins to get to a decent spot on the hill to be able to see the site.
Its a great place to rest and check out sunset.
Sunset it on the back side over city of Athens, sunrise would be over Acropolis.
At sunset, you get to see the colours of Acropolis and some light shines on the site.
I would say its a better spot for sunrise if you want to see Acropolis side in the morning.
Nice place to come for a picnic or just rest and enjoy the afternoon/sunset time.
Worth visiting - although recommended to visit during sunset or sunrise.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave M
61 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A short hike up the hill, past the prison of Socrates, and you are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views of the city. From the sea to the acropolis, you can see it all. This was so much a favorite of our family we went twice.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey Soleil
Tulsa, OK21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Such a glorious and otherworldly view. The entire trip I felt like I was a fabulous character in a book versus being an actual person who was standing there looking at all of these ruins. I often wonder if the people who live there take their views for granted. I could go back time and time again.
Written September 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I W
Leicestershire, UK352 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We visited in October during covid. The views from here are fantastic, and it was nice to get a walk in the hills away from the hussle and bussle of the city. We actually walked around this hill and the surrounding area 3 times, during the morning, afternoon and evening. Great place for photos of the Parthenon.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaye N
Perth, UK514 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Well worth the climb. We went up through the trees and not path set out, a bit scrambling needed but worth it for views every time we stopped to catch our breath. We made it to the monument. Views from here at a 360o degree angle cannot be beaten no other view of the Acropolis and all other the city can beat it. Wander back down proper path and you will find the Pnyx and Socrates prison. A highlight of our trip to be up here.
Written October 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi :) Can someone show me please the best location on a map with the best view of the acropolis at sunset? and is it possible to get with taxi to it? ^^
Thanks in advance for your help :)
Written October 30, 2019
h**ps:// goo.gl/ maps/5t5gayCFHvgEuHbL9
Ι would go there my friend
Written October 31, 2019
I have read reviews as recent as March 2019 about robberies/muggings up on Philopappos Hill. This is my last trip to Athens (usually make it a girls trip), which I love, but I will be going solo this time around (female) and wonder if the riftraft is still going on up there. I haven't hiked Phiopappos Hill and was looking forward to it so I could photo the Acropolis but don't really want to meet up with a gang of thugs who want my camera and other personal items (cash/credit cards, whatever!) Thanks for any info on this concern. I certainly know bad stuff can happen anywhere but it sounds like this may be one area to avoid if I am by myself. Leaving this weekend for Santorini, then on to Athens before end of June. Kind regards.
Written June 11, 2019
I would not have walked around alone at night in that area but it was late February. The summer is here now so probably more tourists out late up there. I'd say take the walk, just be careful. You're already aware of the area so I think you will be ok, enjoy!
Written June 11, 2019
Hi, is it difficult to find the hill? Is it difficult to climb as i have 2 young children. Would love to see the sunrise. Your photo is gorgeous! I'm going this weekend.
Written March 14, 2019
Hi, the path to the his is very easy - the fastest way would be from the Acropolis main entrance. However, climbing of the hill's top (appr. 15 m high) could be a challenge, as the rocks are slippery even without precipitations. Sidewalk will take you to the hill's "back", which has a great view, one of the best in Athens. Walking towards Acropolis is easier than climbing that side and may or may not be necessary. Either way you will be on your own on the hill and pretty much everywhere in Greece :-) Good luck!
Written April 4, 2019
Hi, are there any wheelchair friendly paths on the hill?
Written February 16, 2019
it is not even demarked.. so touristic but the government does nothing to help the people going there.
Written March 14, 2019
Is there a paid or free parking near this place and is it safe to park if I leave my luggage inside the car?
Written September 17, 2017
There is no parking beside the hill, the closest parking will be either the Acropolis parking or down beside the acropolis museum. You'd be best parking down on Mitropolis Street and walking up from there.
Written September 20, 2017
Is Philopappos Hill safe to visit in at night, in June?
Written June 4, 2017
/Fairly safe in summer on the normal paths.
Written August 13, 2017
Hi!
I'm wondering if anyone has information on who to contact for a small wedding ceremony in this park? The municipal department of the city only seems to cover the National Gardens. Have been returning to Athens for 6 years now and this hill is a very special place to my fiancee and I. Would very much like to speak with someone about obtaining a permit for a small (20-30 people) ceremony - no sound systems, chairs, etc... just a musician!
Thank you so much in advance!!
Karen
Written April 13, 2017
Sorry, we have no information on this, though perhaps the Athens Tourist Information may be able to offer advice.
Written April 17, 2017
Hola, en nuestro viaje aventura, estamos de camino desde holanda para llegar a atenas. Mi pareja va en bicicleta, si, desde holanda 😅 y yo voy en coche. Estamos buscando donde hacer la llegada y punto final del viaje, y este mirador parece buena opción, mi pregunta es, él podrá llegar en bici? Supongo que yo en coche no podré ir, y sino q otra opción? Lycabettus lo veo q se llena de gente y que la acropolis se ve lejos. Gracias por vuestros consejos! Rosa
Written July 10, 2016
Hello , unfortunately I can not find out its text the question ??
Greetings Tobias
Written July 13, 2016
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