HERE - Olympia Summer Academy

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA
PARNITHA / PENTELI
102
150.
Climbing
the craggy rocks
of Parnitha.
1
MOUNT
PΑRNITHA
Parnitha was first inhabited during
the Mycenaean period; it always
constituted a key-point in
Attica’s defence, as it was the
most fortified mountain in ancient
Greece.
Being the highest mountain in
Attica (1.400 m) and one of the
most beautiful mountains of
Greece, it is located 30 kilometres
northwest of Athens. Mount
Parnitha’s National Park has an
area of more than 300 square
kilometres. It is a home to 30
species of mammals (deer,
hares, foxes, etc) and 120 bird
species (many of which are endemic);
while more than 800
kinds of herbs and plants occur,
(including 17 % of the flora of
Greece). Walk on one of hundreds
of footpaths, take a
mountain bike ride on a designated
trail in the area of Ayios
Merkourios, explore dozens of
small caves and visit a lot of
beautiful churches and monasteries
(Ayia Triada, Moni Kleiston,
Moni Ayiou Kyprianou etc). At
the location Bafi (alt. 1,160 m.
tel. 210 2469050) and
Flambouri (alt. 1,158 m. tel.
210 2464666), two mountain
resorts operate offering a capacity
of 50 people each. The
mountain attracts climbing fans
(locations “Arma”,”Katebasma
Gouras”, “Flambouri”,
“Korakofolia” and “Megalo
Armeni”). Moreover, one can
visit the luxury hotel “Mont
Parnes” and challenge his luck
in the casino.
☞ THE
SIGHTS:
Frourio Filis. This
fortress is located on
the west slope of the
mountain. It was
built during the 4th
century B.C in a
strategic position
with an unobstructed
view, replacing an
older one nearby. SE
of the fortress along
the road leading to
Athens, there are still
visible chariot wheel
tracks.
Spileo Panos. (Cave
of God Pan) is located
near Frourio Filis,
it is accessible via a
stream, by climbing
a rough slope. It was
named after the Nymphs and
God Pan which were worshiped
in that area. 2,000
lanterns were found in the cave
and it consists of two halls decorated
with stalagmites and stalactites
while one can still see
carved on the rocks since antiquity,
the sockets for the votive
offerings.
The “Mont Parnes” Casino.
The casino is open daily except
Wednesdays. Visitors should
wear evening dress and carry
a valid passport. Visitors under
23 years of age are not allowed
into the casino.
➪
GETTING THERE:
If you use your own car,
follow the National Road
towards Lamia and take a left
turn at the Parnitha exit.
The road leading to the top
follows a picturesque route,
with many turns. If you do not
want to take your car to the
top, park at the foot of the
mountain and take the
funicular (tel. 210 2421234).
Bus number 714 from Vathi
Square (Athens) reaches the
top of the mountain in about
two hours.
2
MOUNT PΕΝΤΕLI
Penteli is a densely vegetated
mountain with springs and attractive
locations. From the top,
you have a spectacular view of
the city as well as the Euboean
Bay. Penteli is a well known
source of marble, as the
Pentelic Marble was the main
material used for the construction
of all attic architectural
and sculptural marvels of the
classical period. The unique
white colour of Pentelic marble
was well known in antiquity.
Pentelic marble was an important
export product of ancient
Athens. Later it was used in the
construction of the
Panathenaean (Kallimarmaro)
Stadium, which was the location
of the 1st modern
Olympics (1896), revived by
the French baron Pierre de
Coubertin. The locations
Daveli’s Cave and “Dytikos
toixos” (Western Wall) are ideal
for climbing. For information
contact the Greek Federation
for Hiking-Climbing tel. 210
3645904)
☞
THE SIGHTS:
The Penteli Monastery. The
wealthiest and biggest
monastery in Greece, Penteli
Monastery was founded in 1578
by Archbishop Timotheos. It is
dedicated to the Dormition of
the Virgin. A number of buildings
were added to the original
structure. Sections of the original
building were later reconstructed.
Recently a multitude
of new buildings were added
for the monks staying at the
monastery. Visitors may see the
original hospital, fountain and
some of the cells.
Palace of the Duchess of
Plaisance. Impressive 19th century
mansion which looks like
a gothic castle and was built for
S. de Marbois-Lebrun, known
as the “Duchess of Plaisance”.
The building which now hous-
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