The goddess Athena was carrying a bloody big rock to crown the Acropolis (which means “high place” anyway – gods are so into overkill) when she learnt of the death of her bosom buddy Pallas and, distraught with grief, dropped the rock that became the hill known since antiquity as Lykavittos.

She might have made it more accessible too, the ingrate. Trekking up there with a heavy tripod, panoramic head and camera kit weighing far too much when evening temperatures are still in the low 30s is a bitch. There is a funicular, but I’m one of those awkward bastards who refuse to acknowledge they’re getting old. It’s far more soothing – for the soul, at least – to risk cardiac seizure and heat stroke.

The hill is the highest point in Athens proper. The vertiginous summit is loved and hated by megalomaniacs and vertigo sufferers in equal proportion. Of course there is a church up there, along with one of the most expensive restaurants in Europe and a far cheaper bar staffed by geriatric tortoises disguised as waiters. Take your own bottled water and a book.

The hill takes its name from the generally held idea in ancient times that it was inhabited by wolves. Perhaps it should be rebranded ‘touristvittos’, as the views are extraordinary, much better than from the Acropolis. There is also a natural amphitheatre on an outcrop which is used as a venue for concerts. I saw James Brown, Macy Gray and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band all perform there. Perhaps American artists have a natural affinity with wolves…

I was rather disappointed with the night-time panorama. The Parthenon and the Vouli (parliament) are completely blown out. High air pressure has kept a lot of dust in the atmosphere (the plain of Athens really is a dust bowl), which explains the light smears. I also used the wrong lens and had to stop down the aperture because it’s windy up there and 20-second exposures get blurry. The other shots from and of Lykavittos were obviously taken at other times.

Might have to go back, but this time I’ll set off earlier, take it easier – and take some water with me.

gorgeous. how can you ever leave this place... are you sure you are doing the right thing? stormfish · 2009-06-17: 04:36

awesome photos esp #4 slowpete · 2009-06-17: 04:48

very very good, esp 3 !! opary · 2009-06-17: 05:52

Oh my love!!!! Beautiful pictures from it!!! ciripbogar · 2009-06-17: 06:08

geriatric tortoises disguised as waiters lol,,,I have to go there,,, TIM927 · 2009-06-17: 07:21

The pano still looks good to me. I'll miss these shots when you leave. smbunation · 2009-06-17: 10:56

fabulous shots again, lovely pano, and as Mike, i'll miss these shots eternity65 · 2009-06-17: 11:42

Americans and wolves... probably. ;) I like 3 the best as well. Where are you moving to? thebronzebow · 2009-06-17: 11:55

Interesting set - don't think I have seen these views before - that classic shot of the Acropolis tends to be from below. Thanks for the interesting perspective.... and use the f****** funicular next time :) davids · 2009-06-17: 12:42

Gorgeous!!!!!! I want to visit! susjustjake · 2009-06-17: 14:24

The first shot looks like a volcano with the lava flowing down the streets. busybee36 · 2009-06-17: 15:19

When I saw the thumbnail of the first photo I thought, "all right! a volcano!" but alas I was (only somewhat) disappointed... LostAspen · 2009-06-17: 16:14

superbe! une vue inhabitulle de l'acropole...c'est frustrant pour ce magnifique panorama nocturne!! tomie · 2009-06-18: 03:11

excellent set! Ouch my neck, but Panos is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the details, makes interesting reading! Riyaz · 2009-06-18: 05:52

Brilliant set! Congratulations! boszorka65 · 2009-06-18: 07:04

seirously impressive! aPoeticMarch · 2009-06-18: 09:29

Good work, beautiful pictures! hannamagnusson · 2009-06-18: 15:07

Absolutely incredible last shot! DancingDolphin · 2009-06-18: 16:29

Superb, yellodog · 2009-06-18: 16:36

Neat shots - love the colouring. Thanks for the info on foreshortening. I think some of those tortoises have got waiting jobs round this way too ;-) Jarvo · 2009-06-18: 21:44

Thank you for those. They are right about the volcano comparison. They must really light up that hill with floodlights. ????? · 2009-06-18: 23:59

Wonderful colors and composition noptek · 2009-06-19: 14:56

Stunning set this - love them - even if my neck hurts. By the way, talking of Athena, check out www.athenaandreadis.com/ - fabulous music - and photos! www.athenaandreadis.com/ Sorry I have been so quiet - been mega busy at work and then escaped to France for three days! Robertthebob · 2009-06-19: 16:19

GORGEOUS... Vincenza · 2009-06-19: 20:36

Beautiful! Interesting, I never thought about posting a Panorama on end like that. My favorite is # 1 tho. love the color and lighting coyoteself · 2009-06-20: 14:34

Magnificent! spikepole · 2009-06-20: 16:13

good city shots!!! ????? · 2009-06-21: 05:18

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I love Greece; it's got to be my favourite place to holiday. Never been to Athens mind, I should get myself out there! shelburt · 2009-06-21: 06:35

Tagged: revenant lykavittos