Hidden gem
Philopappos Hill & The Pnyx Athens' Best Kept Secrets
Stunning Acropolis views, the birthplace of democracy, and peaceful trails without the crowds. The viewpoints most tourists never find.
What is Philopappos Hill?
Philopappos Hill, also known as the Hill of the Muses (Mouseion Hill) or Filopappou Hill, is a 147-metre hill located southwest of the Acropolis. It's one of Athens' most beautiful and peaceful spots, yet remarkably few tourists make it here.
The hill takes its modern name from the Philopappos Monument at its summit, a marble monument built in 116 AD in honour of Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a Roman consul and benefactor of Athens. The monument's partially preserved facade still stands impressively against the Athens skyline.
What makes Philopappos Hill truly special is the view it offers of the Acropolis. While most visitors see the Acropolis from below or from inside, Philopappos Hill gives you an eye-level perspective across a narrow valley. The Parthenon appears to float above the city. It's arguably the best view of the Acropolis you can get — and one of the most unique things to do in Athens.
What to See
Philopappos Monument
The 2nd-century AD marble monument stands at the summit. Though partially ruined, the remaining facade with its carved figures is impressive. It's also one of the best spots in Athens for photographing the Acropolis at sunset.
The Pnyx
Adjacent to Philopappos Hill, the Pnyx is where Athenian democracy was born. Citizens gathered here from the 5th century BC onwards to debate and vote. Pericles, Themistocles, and Demosthenes all spoke from the carved stone platform (bema) that still stands today.
Socrates' Prison
On the northeast slope, a series of rock-cut chambers are traditionally identified as the prison where Socrates was held before his execution in 399 BC. While the historical accuracy is debated, it's a thought-provoking site.
Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris
A charming 16th-century church nestled on the hillside, surrounded by pine trees. Its unusual name ("Loumbardiaris" meaning "the bombardier") comes from a legend involving an Ottoman cannon.
The Pnyx: Birthplace of Democracy
Adjacent to Philopappos Hill sits the Pnyx, one of the most historically significant sites in the Western world. This rocky hillside is where Athenian democracy was born and practised for over two centuries, from the 5th century BC onwards.
The Pnyx was the official meeting place of the Athenian democratic assembly (Ekklesia), where citizens gathered to debate policy, vote on laws, and make decisions that shaped the ancient world. At its peak, assemblies attracted up to 6,000 citizens. The carved stone speaker's platform (bema) still stands today — the very spot where Pericles, Themistocles, and Demosthenes delivered speeches that changed history.
Unlike the crowded Acropolis, the Pnyx is quiet and largely overlooked by tourists. You can stand on the same ground where democracy was invented, look across to the Acropolis, and reflect on the extraordinary history of this hillside. It's free to visit and accessible as part of a walk around the Philopappos Hill area — one of Athens' truly off-the-beaten-path experiences.
For visitors who want to understand the difference between the Parthenon and Acropolis, the Pnyx offers an elevated perspective where both are clearly visible in context.
Philopappos Hill Sunset Viewpoint
Philopappos Hill offers what many locals consider the finest view of the Acropolis. Unlike the view from Lycabettus Hill for 360-degree panoramas (which looks down from above), Philopappos sits at roughly the same elevation as the Acropolis, giving you a face-to-face perspective across the valley.
At sunset, the Parthenon glows golden against the dimming sky. It's a photographer's dream. In the morning, the first light catches the eastern face of the Acropolis while the city below is still quiet.
Beyond the Acropolis, you'll see the Saronic Gulf, the port of Piraeus, Aegina island on clear days, and the sprawling Athens basin stretching to the mountains.
Walking Route: Philopappos to Pnyx
Philopappos Hill and the Pnyx are part of the same hill complex, and walking between them is one of the most rewarding short walks in Athens. The entire circuit takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace.
Start at the base of Philopappos Hill from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. Follow the paved path uphill past the Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, then continue along the dirt trails to the Philopappos Monument at the summit. From here, head north along the ridge towards the Pnyx, passing through pine-shaded paths with views opening up at every turn.
At the Pnyx, you can explore the ancient assembly site and its carved speaker's platform before descending back towards the Acropolis area. The route is mostly gentle, with only a few short steep sections.
George includes this entire area as part of his Ultimate Athens Hills Climb, where Philopappos Hill forms the second peak after Lycabettus.
Best Views of the Acropolis from Philopappos
From the vantage points on Philopappos Hill, you can see both the Parthenon and the broader Acropolis complex in a single view. This perspective helps you understand the relationship between them — the Parthenon sits atop the Acropolis hill as its crowning monument, but the Acropolis itself includes the entire fortified hilltop with multiple ancient structures.
Without the crowds, without the ticket queues, and without the entrance fee, you can study both structures and truly appreciate their scale. Many visitors find that seeing the Acropolis from a distance — especially at sunrise or sunset when the marble glows golden — is more memorable than fighting through the crowds inside.
For a deeper explanation, read our guide on the difference between the Parthenon and Acropolis, which includes all the best viewpoints across Athens.
How to Get to Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill is easily accessible on foot from the Acropolis area. The main entrance is on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, the pedestrianised walkway south of the Acropolis.
Nearest metro: Acropoli Station (Line 2, Red Line), a 5-minute walk to the hill's base.
On foot from Acropolis: If you're visiting the Acropolis, simply walk south along Dionysiou Areopagitou and follow signs to Philopappos Hill. The path is paved and gentle at first, then becomes a pleasant dirt trail.
As part of a guided experience: George includes Philopappos Hill as the second peak in his Ultimate Athens Hills Climb. After conquering Lycabettus Hill, you descend through the city and climb Philopappos for a completely different perspective.
Philopappos Hill & Pnyx FAQ
How high is Philopappos Hill?
Is Philopappos Hill free to visit?
How long does it take to walk up Philopappos Hill?
What is the Pnyx?
When is the best time to visit Philopappos Hill?
Experience Philopappos Hill with a Local Guide
Philopappos Hill is the second summit on George's Ultimate Hills Climb: two peaks, one unforgettable experience.