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“Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”
These words were spoken by the Apostle Paul during his sermon on Areopagus Hill in Athens. This sermon (Areopagus sermon, Acts 17:24) was responsible for the conversion of his first believers, Dionysios Areopagitus and a woman, Damari. After his conversion to Christianity, Dionysios was baptized with his family in 52 AD and became the first Bishop of Athens. Upon his death as a Christian martyr by burning, he was later venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and became the Patron Saint of the city.
Such an important piece of biblical history, there are many who do not realize that the place that this sermon took place is located just below the Acropolis. Between the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora this hill is one that many, upon the descent from the Acropolis, head over to climb, because, well…they see everyone else doing it.
It does offer outstanding views of the city, the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis, but many do not realize its significance.
In Greek mythology, Areopagus Hill was the place where the council of gods held a trial for the god of war, Aris, who was accused of the murder of the son of Poseidon, Halirrhothios. In Greek history, it was the location of murder trials and also the location where Mycenaean graves were discovered. Religious buildings once stood on top of the hill but were eventually decimated by earthquakes.
Today, at any given time, you can spot large numbers of people shuffling around on the slippery apex, hoping to get the best views of the city and the best selfies with the Acropolis towering over them. The hill is easily accessible from steps carved into rocky hillside and from a metal staircase located on the left-hand side of the hill.
Words of warning…the steps are quite slippery, but its an amazing place to gather your where-abouts and admire the views.
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Areopagus Hill
- http://www.eie.gr/archaeologia/gr/02_DELTIA/Areopagus.aspx
- Address: Theorias 21, Athina 105 55, Greece
- Hours: 24 hours, daily
- Admission: free
- Getting There: Metro, Acropolis