Philopappou Hill is facing the Acropolis and was named after the wealthy Roman Prince Philopappos, who distributed his wealth in ancient Greece. He was declared an Athenian citizen and finally he was also proclaimed High Commissioner of the city. The Athenians honored his love for their city with the construction of a large monument with a height of12 meters, on this particular hill, which was named after him. The monument was decorated with reliefs showing Philopappos himself on chariots.
It is a complex of three hills. The Hill of the Muses – today’s well-known Hill of Filopappou, the Hill of the Nymphs, which today hosts the Observatory on its top and the Hill of Pnyka, with the chapel of Loumbardiaris.
From the Hill of the Nymphs begins the route that connected the Acropolis with the port of Piraeus in ancient Greece three thousand years ago and in some places one can explore the marks left by the wheels of the carriages.
All three hills are verdant, with many large and small trees, colorful flowers; all on a wonderful green “carpet” created by the low vegetation offering ideal conditions for walking, running or just a leisurely strolling through a peaceful environment.
It is no coincidence that on Clean Monday Philopappou Hill is the most popular destination for families to have a picnic in the countryside and engage in traditional kite flying.
