Areopagus

Aeropagus Hill is a historic site located northwest of Acropolis. Around 1300 -1500 BC, it functioned as a court. It is visited for its serenity and amazing view of the city. The shiny, slippery steps for climbing Areopagus need trekking expertise. Look for marble patches and remnants of ancient houses on one of the hillsides.

It is believed that St. Paul, who later became the city patron, preached his famous Areopagus Sermon here after noticing an unknown alter on the Areopagus hill. The word Areopagus also refers to the judicial body, and the council members were called Areopagites. It is said that God tried Ares for the murder of the sons of Poseidon, Hallirothios, who attempted to rape the daughter of Area, Alcippe. Thus, on the grounds of justifiable homicide, Ares was not punished by the council of gods for defending her daughter and protecting her. However, this hill continued to be the ground for trials of murder, treason, and other punishable offences from then onwards.