Walkin' in the Sunshine

Walkin’ in the Sunshine
By Roberta Mark Engel

Did you know that Athens has fewer gardens than any other European city? Because of this fact; there are 2.5 square meters of greenery per person compared to the 10 square meters of a more garden friendly European city. The European Environmental Bureau considers 10 square meters of public grassy recreational centers “tolerable.” Yet, this rarity in Athens makes parks quite an escape from the fast paced life of the city. The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill are well maintained gardens. Some have been spruced up with new benches and herbaceous borders. In addition, all provide a respite from traffic fumes and honking horns. Come join us for a walking tour of “Walkin’ in the Sunshine.” We need our walking shoes, sunblock, water and a camera. Now, we are read to enjoy!

The Piliopappou Hill

The Philiopappou Hill has the largest green expanse in the capital, which is south of the Acropolis. Philopappou hill offers an impressive view of the Acropolis. But, how do we access this garden? The Acropolis metro station and Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is a great short walk in Athens or we take bus 230 (stops at Syntagma) which will also take us to the main entry point.

After the main entry point, we will take a path that circles the top of the hill which is a distance of 2km. Opposite the church is a narrow path that will take us to the Roman monument that crowns the hill. The hill also has ancient carvings in the rock itself. An ancient fortification wall remains with excellent views of the city.

The National Garden

Did you know that the National Garden was laid out by the first queen of modern Greece? It still shows traces of Athen’s long history. This park is centrally located and regularly visited by locals and visitors. It is next to the House of Parliament. The cross streets of this attractive venue are Zappeio, Irodou Attikou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenues. The winding paths cut through the dense foliage, past a sunken Roman mosaic floor, a duck pond, a fountain, an alley overhung with wisteria, and a section of an ancient column and a column overgrown with a vine. We will enter through Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, the rear of Zappeion Hall, Irodou Arrikou Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.

Mount Parnitha and Houni Gorge

Did you know that Mount Parnitha is the nearest national park to Athens? It has 1,100 plant species and is one of the few places in Greece where red deer can be found. We can take the 714 bus from Vathis Square to the funicular railway which takes us up to the casino on Mt. Parnitha. The bus also goes all the way up to the mountains on the weekends. From the casino, turn right onto a path that runs parallel to the Greek Alpine Club which serves food on the weekends. We will ask for directions to the path down the Houni Gorge which leads back to the parking lot. Most importantly, we will remain on the path or we will get lost.

Syngrou Estates

The Syngrou Estates are located in Athen’s northern suburb of Maroussi. This piece of unspoiled countryside on the eastern side of Kifissias Avenue causes people to forget that they are near the center of the capital city. To the right of the main entrance on Kifissias Avenue are the original stables of a once grand country estate. Did you know that charming old buildings now house administration offices around an enclosed garden which allows no cars except staff vehicles? The estate is open from dawn to dusk to the public. How do we get there? Transportation is by metro Line 1 (ISAP) to Maroussi or KAT; by busses 550, A7, B7, or E7 along Kifissias Avenue. By car from Athens, turn right through the entrance at the lights for the “KAT” turnoff on Kifissias Avenue. Parking is available.

Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus

We will turn left and take a walk until we come to a clearly marked turnoff down a well-maintained path that will take you back down to the monastery. How do we get there? We will take the 224 bus from Academias Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue or the 223 from Kaningos Square to the entrance. From there, we will walk up the hill (about 20-30 minutes walk) to the monastery.

Lycabettus Hill

For a panoramic view of the capital, we will make our way up the hill to the White Chapel of Aghios Georgios is on top. There are three main approaches. One starts from Dexameni Square in the neighborhood of Kolonaki. We will turn right at the St. George Lycabettus hotel, cross the street and climb the steps to Aristippou Street, where we will find a paved winding path to take us all the way to the top. Option two is from the corner of Paligennesias and Daskaloyianni streets, on the northern side of the hill, where a paved road winds up to the square of an open-air theater. A steep path starts shortly before that point or there is another paved road leading to the theater, which begins from Sarantapichou Street on the southern side of the hill. The third choice is by a funicular railway to be accessed on Aristippou Street.

Now, we have seen all of the gardens when “Walkin’ in the Sunshine”. We hope you enjoyed the tour of The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill. These gardens offer us an experience not normally journeyed in a busy city as Athens.