Day description
Today, we’ll leave behind the bustling center of Athens and journey to the southern slopes of Mount Penteli, where the ancient Spelia Quarry awaits. After a brief hike along a dirt path, the impressive quarry will come into view. Here, we’ll explore the site and delve into the fascinating process of marble extraction, smoothing, and transportation—an operation that carried massive marble blocks 17 kilometers to the Acropolis construction site.
Afterward, we’ll return to the car and ascend to the summit of Mount Penteli. From this vantage point, we’ll relish the liberating experience of fresh mountain air and breathtaking views of Athens below, while also gazing toward the historic site of the Battle of Marathon.
Next, we’ll drive to the northern side of the mountain to visit the Dionysus Open-Air Marble Museum. On foot, we’ll admire this remarkable space, crafted by passionate architects and skilled traditional marble artisans. A refreshing picnic will follow before we conclude our adventure and return to Athens.
HIKING DISTANCE: 4,2 KM / HIKING DURATION: 2 HR
ELEVATION GAIN: 380 M
DRIVING DISTANCE:
ATHENS CENTER TO SPELIA QUARRY 25 KM / 45 MIN
SPELIA QUARRY TO THE START OF THE HIKE 13 KM / 20 MIN
END OF THE HIKE TO ATHENS CENTER 45 KM / 1 HR
