The Ilision Grove or Syngrou Grove is located in an area of about 37 acres formerly known as Kouponia. In1909, in anattempttocreateforestsinAthens, theformerQueenofGreeceSofiaoversawthe reforestation of this area as well. Overtheyears, thisspotwaschosenastheheadquartersoftheForest Institute. Thegrovewas named after the Syngrou Hospital where it is located. Itwasgranted to the municipality of Athens by the Athens Forestry since and is now one of the important urban green areasproviding an ideal choice for a walk in the wider area.
The grove is lush in towering pines, cypresses and many other types of trees that offer shade almost all day. There, travelers will find many cobblestone and natural paths with many benches and several stone structures to have a seat and rest on, as well as an internal road network. While wandering, one will be impressed by the numerous built water fountains, which, however, are not operational, as well as by all three playgrounds. Within the grove there is a stone shrine, a scout camp, the building of the National Agricultural Research Foundation, a primary school and the holy church of Saint Charalambos Ilision.
