At the top of the 147 m high Filopappou Hill is the Philopappos Monument, a funerary monument from antiquity.
Learn all about the Athenian landmark, including its history and helpful tips about how to get there, in this guide to Philopappos Monument in Athens.
What Can I Do at Philopappos Monument?
The imposing Philopappos Monument sits enthroned at the top of Filopappou Hill.
Visiting the hill allows you to take a closer look at the 9.80 x 9.30 meter high 1st century AD marble structure dedicated to the Roman senator and benefactor, Julius Antiochus Philopappos.
Although a small part of the monument has collapsed, intricate decorations can be seen, as well as three statues and an impressive relief depicting Philopappos as a senator. The monument is also a mausoleum.
Behind the monument, a breathtaking panorama of Athens and the sea opens up to you. Since Filopappou Hill is one of Athens' less-visited viewpoints, the magnificent view can usually be enjoyed without the crowds.
Find out what other sights are on the hill in our guide to Filopappou Hill.
How Go I Get to Philopappos Monument?
Philopappos Monument is located on the top of Filopappou Hill, which is southwest of the Acropolis.
The closest stop to reach the hill is the “Akropolē” bus stop, which is served by bus line 230 and stops very close to Filopappou Hill. Alternatively, you can also take the M2 metro to “Acropoli” and walk to the hill for about 10 minutes. Several paths lead up Filopappou Hill.
Visitors arriving from the Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 14-minute journey to Thissio station. From there it is about 12 minutes to Filopappou Hill.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Philopappos Monument is a funerary monument built for Julius Antiochus Philopappos, an exiled Syrian prince and Roman senator. Since he distinguished himself as a benefactor of Athens, the Athenians built him a monument and mausoleum.
Philopappos Monument is located on the top of Filopappou Hill, which can be found near the Acropolis.
To get to Philopappos Monument you have to climb Filopappou Hill. Several paths lead up. The closest stop to reach Filopappou Hill is the “Akropolē” bus stop, which is served by bus line 230 and stops very close to Filopappou Hill. Alternatively, you can also take the M2 metro to “Acropoli” and walk to the hill for about 10 minutes.
Visitors arriving from the Piraeus cruise port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 14-minute journey to Thissio station. From there it is about 12 minutes to Filopappou Hill.
On Filopappou Hill, in addition to Philopappos Monument, there are sights such as the prison of Socrates, the Dora Stratou Theater and the small church of Agios Dimitrios Lumbardiaris.
History of Philopappos Monument
Philopappos Monument was built between the years 114 and 119 AD. The Athenians wanted to honor the Roman senator Julius Antiochus Philopappos, who was an exiled Syrian prince and distinguished himself as a benefactor in Athens.
From the location of the funerary monument, which was built directly opposite the Acropolis and in the middle of the city, it can be concluded that Philopappos held a high position in ancient Athens.
Known in antiquity as Muses Hill, the hill was named after the Philopappos Monument over time and henceforth referred to as Filopappou Hill.
Historical writings by the Italian humanist and traveler Cyriacus of Ancona show that the ancient monument, which has now partially collapsed, was undamaged in 1436.