It is the most famous of all the monasteries of Ymittos and has been declared the Historical Garden of Europe by the European Union. Along with the magnificent forest that surrounds it. It is, also a great escape destination. It is the Monastery of Caesariani. When you walk on the longest mountain of Attica you confirm that Athens and generally Attica, they can and they have a special place in your heart. A dreamily walk all around the year.I
One of the most beautiful Byzantine temples in Athens
Dedicated to the Assumption, built at the end of the 11th century AD, the Monastery of Caesariani is located at an altitude of about 350 meters, in an idyllic environment. Interesting is the dining room of the Monastery, with the fireplace, the food storage area, and the monks’ dining area. The inner enclosure is crossed by a small marble irrigation groove. Rainwater from the roof through a gutter falls into the groove, which crosses flower beds and continues its course outside the walls of the Monastery. After the underground tank is filled, it ends up in the orchards of the Monastery.
There’s a network of trails to walk around the forest.
Just above the Monastery, there are places to sit, and to listen to the sounds of nature. A few meters away from the ancient source of Kalopoula, one of the three sacred springs of Ymittos, is the refreshment room of the municipality of Caesariani. The living rooms above and around the small open tank that gathers the spring water, and are ideal places for picnics. It is a reference point for hikers and cyclists. After a nice walk in the Monastery of Caesariani with aromas and colors, go to Kalopoula to complete your walk, enjoying a coffee!
How to get there
To reach the Monastery of Caesariani from the center, you can move from the main roads. That is, from Vasilissis Sofia, Mesogeion, regional Karea and at the junction of Caesariani you pass by, and you arrive. Fifteen minutes is enough to get you to this amazing place. Have a good time…
External photography source: C messier Read also: Nafplio: The picturesque old capital of Greece.Archampolis: The enigmatic Greek city and the legend of its disappearance
Frequently Asked Questions
The Caesariani Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries on Mount Ymittos in Attica, Greece. It has been declared a Historical Garden of Europe by the European Union. Dedicated to the Assumption and built at the end of the 11th century AD, it is renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine temples in Athens, surrounded by magnificent forest at an altitude of about 350 meters.
The Caesariani Monastery was built at the end of the 11th century AD and features Byzantine architectural style. Notable features include its dedicated design to the Assumption, an interesting dining room with fireplace, food storage areas, and an innovative water management system with marble irrigation grooves that collect rainwater for the monastery's orchards.
Main attractions include exploring the Byzantine monastery buildings, walking through the surrounding forest network of trails, visiting the nearby Kalopoula spring (one of three sacred springs on Ymittos), and enjoying picnic areas above the spring. The site is ideal for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers seeking a dreamy escape throughout the year.
To reach Caesariani Monastery from Athens center, take the main roads including Vasilissis Sofia, Mesogeion, or regional Karea, and follow signs to the Caesariani junction. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes by car to reach this amazing destination on Mount Ymittos.
The Caesariani Monastery features an impressive ancient water management system with marble irrigation grooves that collect rainwater from the roof through gutters. The water crosses flower beds within the inner enclosure, fills an underground tank, and eventually flows to the monastery's orchards, demonstrating innovative Byzantine engineering.
