Areopagus Hill Verified listing

Areopagus Hill, also known as the “Hill of Ares” or “Mars Hill,” is a historic rocky outcrop located just northwest of the Acropolis in Athens. Standing around 115 meters above the city, this site once housed the ancient Areopagus council, which evolved into Athens’s high court for homicide cases by the 5th century BC. In mythology, the hill is believed to be the place where the god Ares was tried by the Olympian gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son—lending the site both symbolic and cultural weight. Its name and historical relevance reflect centuries of Athenian judicial, religious, and political significance.

Today, Areopagus Hill is open to the public 24/7 and is completely free to access. Visitors typically reach the summit via worn stone steps near the Acropolis exit or along the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. The rock underfoot is smooth and can be slippery, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Though there are no formal facilities, the hill provides a natural gathering spot with sweeping views, and many people come at sunset to enjoy the tranquillity, ancient atmosphere, and social energy of fellow travellers and locals.

From the top, visitors are treated to some of the most dramatic panoramic views in Athens—the Acropolis looming close by, the Ancient Agora below, the modern city stretching to the horizon, and even the Saronic Gulf in the distance. The site also holds great religious significance, as it was where Saint Paul is said to have delivered his sermon to the Athenians in AD 51, an event marked by a commemorative plaque. Areopagus Hill is not just a lookout—it’s a crossroads of myth, history, and reflection, offering a uniquely personal and powerful connection to Athens’ past.