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Lysicrates Monument
Hadrian’s Arch Speaking of Hadrian, this arch was built not by him but to honor him, also in the second century B.C. It’s difficult to see if you’re speeding by on Amalias Avenue, which passes directly underneath it, but it’s worth stopping to take a closer look at its decoration. It was built along an ancient road leading straight from the Temple of Olympian Zeus (behind the arch) to the Lysicrates Monument.
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Areopagus Hill
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This monument is officially the ‘Choragic’ monument, referring to the man who paid for it to be built - Lysicrates the choregos, a wealthy citizen who acted as a patron of the arts. It was erected in the 4th century B.C. to honor one of the prizes he had sponsored. Settle into one of the cafes surrounding the monument for some people watching - this monument tends to blend into the background amid the hustle and bustle of Adrianou Street.
Most Athenians know this central landmark, and many visitors see it from the Acropolis and wonder ‘what’s that thing on top of that hill?’ but few people climb up to investigate up close. The marble fragment that is visible from a number of vantage points around Athens is the remainder of a monument to a Roman general Antiochus Philopappos, one of Athens’ benefactors in around 115 A.D. Although the hill is now known as Philopappou, after this monument, it is also called ‘Hill of the Muses’ and is now covered with footpaths and trees, from which the view of Athens is one of the best in the city.
Temple of Hephaestus
DESTINATIONS
Philopappou Monument
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This beautifully preserved ancient temple is found inside the Ancient Agora, and gives its name to the surrounding area, Thissio. Although it was dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship and artisans, for much of its history it was thought to be the resting place of legendary hero Theseus (the one who killed the Minotaur). Around the year 700 A.D. it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to St. George, and by the 19th century it was used as a burial place for European Philhellenes.
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This giant rocky hill next to the Acropolis is covered with tourists by day, taking in the view and the history. This was the place where the ancient Athenian judicial body, of the same name, gathered. The Areopagus Council functioned as the high Court of Appeal for criminal and civil cases, and was the earliest aristocratic council of ancient Athens. Today, the rock is overtaken by the teenagers of Athens at night - grab a cold Mythos from a kiosk (periptero) on your way up and join the crowd for a spectacular night time view of the city. portes magazine | summer 2014
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