The Areopagus: Mars Hill and the Supreme Council
Why is it significant?
Climb the carved rock-hewn steps onto the polished, slippery limestone summit of the Areopagus, or Mars Hill. Take in the sweeping panoramic view across the rooftops of Athens below and the towering sheer southern cliff of the Acropolis rising directly behind you.
Key Facts
| Place | The Areopagus: Mars Hill and the Supreme Council |
|---|---|
| Address | Theorias 21, Athina 105 55 |
| Geo Coordinates | 37.97230, 23.72370 |
| Part of Walk | Athens of the Philosophers: Plaka, Anafiotika, and the Ancient Agora |
| Generated | Generated |
Climb the carved rock-hewn steps onto the polished, slippery limestone summit of the Areopagus, or Mars Hill. Take in the sweeping panoramic view across the rooftops of Athens below and the towering sheer southern cliff of the Acropolis rising directly behind you.
In antiquity, this barren rocky hill was the meeting place of the Council of the Areopagus, the most ancient and venerable court in Athens, composed of former archons. According to Greek mythology, the god Ares himself was put on trial here by the gods for the slaying of Poseidon's son Halirrhothios.
In the year fifty-one AD, the Apostle Paul stood upon this rock and addressed the gathering of Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, delivering his famous sermon on the Unknown God after noticing an Athenian altar inscribed To an Unknown God, converting Dionysius the Areopagite to Christianity.
Step down carefully from the rock and follow the ring path east along the base of the Acropolis into Anafiotika.