Philopappos Monument, South Aegean Travel Guide

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Explore the Philopappos Monument in Athens: a tribute to a prince, offering history and panoramic views of the Acropolis and city.

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Philopappos Monument

The Philopappos Monument, an ancient Roman mausoleum dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, stands atop Philopappou Hill in Athens. Built in 114-116 AD, this monument honors the exiled prince of Commagene, who became a benefactor to Athens. The site offers panoramic views of the city and the Acropolis.

A brief summary to Philopappos Monument

Athens, 117 41, GR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Philopappos Monument.

Wear comfortable shoes, as reaching the monument involves climbing Filopappou Hill.
Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the Acropolis and Athens.
Explore the other attractions on Philopappou Hill, such as the Prison of Socrates.
Bring water, especially during hot summer months, as there are limited facilities on the hill.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Acropolis Museum, walk approximately 600 meters towards the entrance of the Acropolis on Apostolou Pavlou street. Instead of turning right towards the Acropolis, turn left to enter Filopappou Park. Several paths lead up the hill to the monument. The walk uphill takes about 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Metro Line 2 (red line) to the Acropoli station or Line 1 (green line) to Thissio station. From either station, it's about a 20-minute walk to the Philopappos Monument. Alternatively, take bus line 230 and get off at the 'Apheteria' bus stop, which is close to the hill. A single metro or bus ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.
Taxi

A taxi from central Athens to the base of Philopappou Hill typically costs between €5-€6. From there, it's a 15-20 minute walk uphill to the monument. Note that traffic can affect the final fare. There are no parking facilities at the top of the hill.

Discover more about Philopappos Monument

Perched atop Philopappou Hill, southwest of the Acropolis, the Philopappos Monument is a testament to the honor bestowed upon Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. Following his death in 116 AD, Philopappos' sister, Julia Balbilla, and the citizens of Athens erected this grand tomb as a tribute to his contributions to the city.Philopappos, who traced his lineage to Syrian royalty, came to Athens after Commagene was integrated into the Roman Empire. As a member of the Roman elite, he became a benefactor and patron of the arts in Athens. The monument's location, directly opposite the Acropolis, reflects his esteemed position within Athenian society. Pausanias, a Greek geographer, described it as a monument built for a Syrian man.The monument itself, constructed from white Pentelic marble, originally stood 9.80 x 9.30 meters high. The structure features a frieze depicting Philopappos as a consul riding a chariot, with statues of Antiochus IV on the left, Philopappos in the center, and Seleucus I Nicator (now lost) on the right. An inscription identifies Philopappos as an Athenian citizen.While only two-thirds of the facade remains today, the Philopappos Monument continues to draw visitors. The hill, also known as the Hill of the Muses, offers walking paths, scenic views, and other historical sites, including the Prison of Socrates and remnants of a Hellenistic fortress. Excavations and conservation efforts have been carried out over the years to preserve this ancient landmark.