Hiking in Hymettus, Kaisariani Monastery – Καλοπούλα – Asteri Monastery to the top
The Monastery of Kaisariani is built on the west side of Ymittos. It includes a courtyard with high walls and two entrance gates, west and east with the source. The main Church of the Monastery which is dedicated to the Entrances of the Virgin Mary dates back to 11The authorities 12th century. like Loutronas. The Narthex and the chapel of Agios Antonios, to the south were added the 17The century. (information : Ephorate of Antiquities of Eastern Attica).
The dome of the current Katholikon of the Monastery rests on columns of an ancient temple, pre-existing in this position.
THE Archaeological Site of Kaisariani Monastery belongs to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Eastern Attica, and they remain open daily except Tuesdays, 8.30 -15.30. The Monastery remains closed on 24-25 December, 1or January, on Easter Sunday and 1or May (according to the sign on the front door).
EASTERN ENTRANCE - THE SOURCE OF THE Aries
KESARIANI MONASTERY SQUARE
The signs will help you find the paths behind the surrounding area of Kaisariani Monastery.
You will find botanical paths with plants that thrive in the area, cobbled and dirt paths leading to hill of Taxiarches and to her chapel Withdrawal and Kalopoula.
The path to Hill of Brigadiers, southwest of Kaisariani Monastery, leads to the area of the Fathers' Cemetery or Frangomonastiro, with stunning views.
This position was the 1The Christian center, before the Monastery of Kaisariani for this there are ruins of various temples. Remains of the old temple are preserved (10th c.), which was built on a three-aisled basilica (5th -6th century. ) the church of Agios Markos Frangomonastiro of the Frankish period and the cemetery of the church of Taxiarches (17th c.).
The Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani, 4.460 ha. created by Philodasiki Union of Athens.
It occupies part of the western side of Hymettus, which starts from the city of Kaisariani and reaches up to 760 m. altitude. The forest is crossed by two streams, of Eridanus and Koutalas, with minimal water supply.
It includes many hiking trails in the forest (about length 9 km) and access to the forest road network is barred (information : https://www.philodassiki.org).
In the Aesthetic Forest, which has been formed around the Monastery of Kaisariani, the walk is very pleasant next to olive trees, locusts, gossip, cypress, pine, Phrygana etc..
On the botanical paths, Signs have been placed on plants and trees planted by the Philodaski Association of Athens, and landscaped resting places from tree trunks.
AESTHETIC FOREST REST PLACES
Following the signs and walking on the dirt path, will reach hill of Analipsi with the homonymous chapel (is the hill above the Monastery of Kaisariani).
THE PATH TO TAKE UP
ASCENSION CHURCH
The chapel of the Ascension, built inside a rock, it is full of images of the faithful.
In the wider area of the Aesthetic Forest you will find 3 sources, of Kaisariani Monastery, of Withdrawal and Καλοπούλας.
Continuing upward trend, above the chapel, you will find a water tank from Source of Ascension (it is not drinkable).
WATER TANK AT THE UPDATE
Kaisariani Monastery is a short distance from Analipsi and descending you will reach the surrounding area of the monastery, on the east side.
in East side of the Monastery of Kaisariani, to Source of Aries, access is by stairs.
Opposite the east entrance and the source, in the square of the Monastery, you will find it nursery of Philodasikis Union of Athens, 210 7231769, www.philodassiki.org. In the nursery you can buy plants of the Greek flora, aromatic, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics etc.. (Monday to Saturday, 08.30 -13.30).
In the Monastery of Kaisariani you will find many information signs for your stay in the Aesthetic Forest.
Indicatively, the cutting of flowers and branches is prohibited, the lighting of the fire, the hunt, the camp etc.. and the free movement of dogs, without strap.
KALOPOULA - KAISARIANI MUNICIPALITY BOOK KIOSK
OR Καλοπούλα is his area Υμηττού, located between the two monasteries, historical monuments, the Kaisariani Monastery and Monastery of Taxiarches Asteriou.
You will reach Kalopoula after the Monastery of Kaisariani (less than 1 km) if at the intersection that leads left to Athens you turn right following the sign to Refreshment Kiosk of the Municipality of Kaisariani.
at junction, where there is also a parking space, the main asphalt road (double directioned) continues to Καλοπούλα, Asteri Monastery, «Diaselo OTE», with picnic area, and ends on antennas and radar.
REFRIGERATOR KIOSK - KALOPOULA
At the municipal refreshment room in Kalopoula you will find picnic tables, a pond with goldfish and turtles with water from the Kalopoulas spring, trees, cypresses and enough coolness. The refreshment room is open daily, about from 5.30 a.m., as it serves hikers, cyclists and mountain visitors, all Seasons. Offers coffee, soft drinks, beers, cheese pies, toast but also cooked food such as hot bean soup in winter. Parking in SK is particularly difficult as the road fits approx 5 cars. You can park low, at the intersection, and walk up the main road or trail.
MONASTERY OF BRIGADE STARS (10th c.)
ENTRANCE OF THE MONASTERY - ENVIRONMENTAL SPACE
The Monastery of Taxiarches Asteriou is located after the Monastery of Kaisariani (about 4,5 km) and Kalopoula, built in a mountain pit, in altitude 545 m. Small monastery, with elevated enclosure and beautiful outdoor area, ideal for sunbathing. They are Metochi of I.. Petraki Monastery, and responsible is the Archimandrite p. Alexios Giannios. The monastery celebrates on 6 September, in Remembrance of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Chonais.
Inside the Monastery there are two wings of cells, a fountain and the Catholic (10th c.).
INTERIOR OF MONASTERY - CELLS
INTERIOR YARD MONASTERY - FOUNTAIN
It is closed every Monday and every day in between 1.30 pm-4.00 pm. In the summer months they are open from the morning for Orthros and the Divine Liturgy (5 a.m. – 7 a.m.), and in the afternoon, for Vespers ( 6 p.m.).
For Asteri Monastery you can park on the street (fits a few cars) or continue to the Outpost (about 100 m. after the Monastery), where there is enough space for parking or reversing.
PYROFILE
At the Fire Station the view, to north and west Attica, Parnitha etc.. is unique.
THE VIEW OF ATTICA FROM THE POINT OFFICE
Continuing your way to the top you will meet the plateau, with the old antenna of OTE, known as "Diaselo OTE».
"DIESELO OTE" POSITION
In "Diaselo OTE" the view changes and from this point the areas of eastern Attica are visible, the airport etc..
THE EAST SIDE OF YMITTOS
TOP OF YMITTOS – ANTENNAS
In this place you will meet hikers, cyclists and visitors looking for coolness during the summer months picnicking at tables set under pine trees.
At "Diaselo OTE", the hiking trails end, No. 5 from Peania (3,2 km) and No. 10 from Monastery of Agios Ioannis the Hunter (4,2 Km), where there are maps and markings.
HIKING MAP – ROUTE 10
PATH MARKING No. 5 –No 10
HIKING MAP OF YMITTOS
THE ROAD TO THE TOP
HELICOPTER
ACCESS
By car. from Kaisariani or from the Peripheral of Ymittos, exit Kaisariani. During the summer months, and on days with strong winds, access to the forest prohibited and the road to the mountain and the abbey Caesarea They are closed to all (I.X., motorbikes, bicycles etc.. and for hikers). The road to the Monastery of Kaisariani is one way and in the fork you will find an information sign with hiking trails, distances and routes.
THE ENTRY TO THE FOREST - MONASTERY OF KAISARIANI
