Hymettus

Gazing up at Hymettus, have you ever considered its impact on ancient Athens? Hymettus, this imposing mountain range east of Athens, has been a constant presence throughout the city’s history. Its highest peak, Evzonas, reaches 1,026 meters, dominating the landscape. Hymettus stretches 16 kilometers, separating Athens from the Saronic Gulf. The mountain wasn’t just a scenic backdrop. It was a vital resource. Ancient Athenians quarried high-quality marble from Hymettus, using it for their magnificent buildings. The mountain’s slopes, covered in aromatic plants, produced renowned honey. Poets like Ovid praised the honey’s unique flavor. Hymettus also provided a spiritual sanctuary. Atop the mountain, a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus Ombrios, the rain-bringer, offered a place for worship. Numerous offerings, dating back to the 8th and 7th centuries BC, reveal its importance. Today, remnants of this past linger. Byzantine monasteries, like Kaisariani Monastery, are nestled on Hymettus’ slopes. These monasteries offer a glimpse into a rich spiritual history, blending with the natural beauty of the mountain. Even the colloquial names for Hymettus hint at its character. “Trellos,” meaning “crazy,” and “Trellovouno,” meaning “crazy mountain,” refer to the unpredictable weather patterns around the peak. They also allude to the mountain’s long and winding form, noted by French travelers during the Ottoman occupation. Hymettus remains a protected area, part of the EU’s Natura 2000 ecological network. It stands as a testament to the enduring connection between nature and human history, a timeless landmark in the heart of Attica.