A mountain full of history
Mount Pendeli is located north of Athens. Known in antiquity for the quality of its marble, which was widely used for the construction of the Parthenon, and later for the splendor of bourgeois houses.
In the 16th century, Bishop Evripos decided to build a monastery there and many hermits and monks came to live in the caves of the mountain.
The municipality of Pendeli was the first to be born from these activities. Its first permanent inhabitants were shepherds and miners.
Mount Pendeli today: the city at the foot of the mountain
Today, the mountain is gradually being nibbled away by the wealthy municipalities of Kifisia, Politia, Nea Pendeli and Pallini. The houses here enjoy a breathtaking view of Athens as well as fresh and healthy air.
There are no longer any active quarries, but there are many traces of this past:
- Pieces of marble perfectly cut in the middle of nature
- Ancient roads used to transport stones to Athens
- And still many marble workers at the foot of the mountain on the road Anapafseos.
In addition, the mountain has suffered from numerous fires. But its wild nature, so close to the city, makes it an amazing place.
On the west side of the mountain, the road plunges down to Nea Makri and the beaches of Schinias. We go from the city to the sea by this magical road, which crosses an arid, rustic and authentic landscape.
Some discoveries
On weekends, Athenians like to come and have lunch in one of the taverns of Pendeli and walk along the paths that are full of little wonders…
We propose you to discover together the Pendeli mountain, because we have unearthed some treasures, often unknown:
- Davelis Cave in Pendeli
- The chapel of Agiou Asoumati
- The Pantakratoras Monastery
- The palace of the Duchess of Piacenza
- But also good taverns on the square of old Pendeli or O Telis, in front of the monastery. For a cool lunch or dinner on a hot summer day.
Sophie B.
Updated April 19, 2024
