From Ruins to Revelations-Free Day In Athens

After several non-stop days of touring, the Sunday of our Greek and Turkey pilgrimage allowed for some free time. However, Hubby Tony and I still fit a lot in.

After breakfast we joined with our friends to visit the Church of Saint George of Lycabettus, a Greek Orthodox church at the top of Lycabettus Hill, the highest spot in Athens. The church dates back to 1870, but like many places in the city was built on the site of an ancient temple.

St George

To get to the area there are two options. You can take the Metro, then walk 20 minutes, or take a taxi. We chose a taxi. Once there there are two ways to get to the top. You can hike up or take a cable car. We chose the latter.

When we arrived a liturgy was taking place, but afterwards they allowed people to enter and walk around the narthex and nave areas. The scenery from the viewing deck outside the church was amazing.

Athens from on high

When we were finished we took the cable car back down, then descended several flights of stairs and several streets to get to the main level. 

One of our friends wanted to go to the National Gardens. The city was hosting their Race for the Cure and many of the major streets were blocked off, but we managed to navigate our way there. After walking through the park we were hungry and decided to head toward an area where we knew there would be restaurants.

Many of the race participants seemed to have the same idea we did about getting a meal. However, we found a place that offered yummy "urban Greek cuisine". Thanks to a liberal use of olive oil my lunch of braised chickpeas managed to feel healthy and decadent at the same time.

It tasted as good as it looks

Back at the hotel, we had a couple of hours until the group got on the bus for the next event-a public Mass at St. Dionysius (one of only a few Catholic churches, and the same place we went on the first day). Our tour guide made sure we got there early to get seats, which turned out to be an excellent idea. By the time the mass started the church was standing room only. 

Afterwards we got back on the bus for a drive to a Greek restaurant near the Monastiraki Flea Market area. Our group sat at communal tables for a family-style multi-course meal (appetizers, salad, grilled meat plate, and dessert). There was a duo in the corner playing traditional Greek music, but it was too loud for our table to hold a conversation. The place felt very touristy, and unfortunately this was my least-favorite meal.