Fairies danced in its ground, according to legend. The ancient Athenians observed the tops of its hill to predict the weather. The Franks called it “the crazy one” for the weather differences that confused the forecasts, as they called the Athenians “crazy” on this occasion. They used to say “what to expect from the inhabitants of a city where the sun rises in the Crazy one and sets in Dafni (the location of where the public psychiatric clinic was).” They were referenced to Hymettus. Hymettus is the hidden but also favorite secret of Attica.
Hymettus: The hidden and favorite secret of Attica
Beliefs, myths, tourist guides, and nearby escapes from the town compose the image of the most historic mountain in Athens that is directly linked to its past. But even today, how much and how much does not connect us to Hymettus? All today’s 45-year-olds and 50-year-olds women and men, even older ones, who were students, there in the late 80s and soon after, they will be able to remember some of their student trips to Hymettus.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hymettus offered a brilliant field of glory with its educational training. There we find archaeological finds as well as great Byzantine monasteries, such as the Monastery of Caesariani
Europe’s forest and historic garden
With a quick step, to escape the buzz of Athens, so close to the capital, a distance of about 15 minutes, by car but also by bike for lovers of the sport, we reach our destination to feel, suddenly, that we found ourselves somewhere else, in a place far away.
Entering the entrance of the Monastery, at the opposite of us is the church of Panagia, as the homonymous church is known. Built-in the 11th century it is located at an altitude of 350 meters and in an environment full of a green landscape. The catholic church of the Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine temples of Athens.
In the interior enclosure, the visitor can see a small marble irrigation groove which collects through a gutter the rainwater. This fills a marble tank that channels water into all the orchards of the Monastery offering coolness and freshness to the thirsty earth.
A green oasis in the middle of the city
Century-old trees, plane trees, oaks, chestnut trees, and old cypresses make up the environment of the flora that makes you feel the oxygen up to the hands of your soul and detoxify with one of the exhaust gases of Athens. Walking among the stone paths of the area that offer moments of rest, relaxation, and well-being, the visitor has the opportunity to do what the life and rhythms of the city forbid.
Enough hiking, relaxing tour, sports orthopedics, rumbling between the enormous trees. Everything that makes you feel full of emotions that are beyond the senses and full of images, colors, aromas, sounds, you will look for a way to satisfy the fifth sensation.
It is the turn to accept the beneficial pleasure of a makeshift picnic, there between the foliage and the shade of the trees, or a visit to the tourist refreshment room of the Municipality of Caesariani, or Kalopoula as everyone calls it. It is made of wood around the pool that gathers the water, for a coffee or whatever it offers for a shortstop and relaxation.
Towering pine trees, reed umbrellas, built terraces, colorful roses, and a fountain. The one that the ancient Athenians considered a source of fertility. It floods the space with the zen sound of water. All these forms amphitheatrically the scenery, while the chirping of the birds composes an “Oscaric” soundtrack.
The huge green landscape…
There are so many benefits to visiting places far away… but at the same time so close to Athens! It’s amazing how many hidden wellness secrets – real life breaths we discover on walks we once casually took as students as part of a school and training trip.
A test will convince you. Leave the car, put on comfortable shoes, and go on searching for the walking secrets of Hymettus and the wonderful forest of Caesariani.
External photography source: banks.com.gr
Read also:
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Who was the “Minotaur” of Metaxourgio which was a problem in Athens
Kameni Chora (burned town): The Greek village that was built… on the lava
Frequently Asked Questions
Hymettus was called 'the crazy one' by the Franks due to its unpredictable weather patterns and dramatic weather differences that confused their forecasts. The ancient Athenians used the mountain's peaks to predict weather changes, and its volatile conditions earned it this distinctive nickname.
The Monastery of Caesariani is a historic Byzantine monastery located on Mount Hymettus at an altitude of 350 meters. The main church, the Church of Panagia, was built in the 11th century and is considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine temples in Athens.
Hymettus is approximately 15 minutes away from Athens by car or bike, making it a convenient escape from the city while still being very close to the capital. Its proximity makes it an ideal destination for day trips and outdoor activities.
Mount Hymettus features century-old trees including plane trees, oaks, chestnut trees, old cypresses, and towering pine trees. This diverse vegetation creates a green oasis that provides a refreshing escape from the urban environment of Athens.
Hymettus offers numerous activities including hiking, relaxation tours, picnicking, sports activities, and visits to historic sites. Visitors can explore the Monastery of Caesariani, walk stone paths through forests, enjoy refreshments at the municipal café, and experience the area's natural beauty and Byzantine architecture.
