Kastella

Follow us to discover the famous neighborhood of Kastella and Prophet Elias Hill with the Veakeio Theater. We know all the secrets and will provide you with detailed directions to navigate through the labyrinth of alleys and stairs, admire the neoclassical buildings, and find panoramic viewpoints along the coastline of Piraeus and the Athens Riviera.

Stroll in Kastella
>Why choose Kastella: Well, because it's the most beautiful neighborhood in Piraeus, and the most aristocratic! 
>How much time you'll need: As long as you want. But you can always return to explore it more. 
>Difficulty level: You'll need to navigate through uphill alleys and stairs, but don't hesitate. Every time, more beauties and scenic spots will be revealed to you along the Piraeus coastline and the Athens Riviera. 
>Best time to visit: Afternoon. It's worth staying until sunset to enjoy wonderful views and take photos and videos. What else you'll see: At the hill's peak, you'll find the Prophet Elias Church with the eponymous grove, as well as the Veakeio Theater, named after the great Piraeus actor Emilio Veaki. Every summer, the Municipality of Piraeus organizes interesting performances here. 
>Cafes/Taverns: There are some, especially on Idis Street (near Veakeio and Prophet Elias) and on the neighborhood's side streets. You also have the option to head downhill to the neighboring and beautiful Mikrolimano.

Open Google Maps to orient yourself. 
Papanastasiou Avenue surrounds Kastella at the lower level. From its sidewalk, you'll enjoy a unique view of Mikrolimano and the sea, as well as the houses in the neighborhood. Higher up is Vasilissis Georgiou B', which is renamed to Koundourou Manousou. Further inwards is Sfakion-Herakliou-Aeantos, and at the hill's peak, you can follow the Idis-Riga Fereou-Haniwn route, passing by the Veakeio Theater.
To enter the heart of the neighborhood, you have various options. You can follow Papanastasiou and choose one of the small uphill alleys that host neoclassical buildings along with modern apartment complexes. Or, you can enter from Foskolu Street (known to the locals as the "Skalakia" stop on Papanastasiou Avenue), and stroll among the mansions. You have other choices as well: From Papanastasiou, you can enter Aischylou Street. The lush alleys, like Falirow, Chaiden, Agisilaou, Agamemnonos, will immerse you in the atmosphere of the old neighborhood.
Prophet Elias Church: A favorite for weddings and baptisms among the people of Piraeus. The original private temple was constructed on the hill between 1868-1876 and became a parish church in 1883. It was the center of the area, and during those years, the hill with the Prophet Elias chapel was to Piraeus what Mount Lycabettus with Agios Georgios was to Athens. It was destroyed in 1944 during the bombing of Piraeus. It was reconstructed in 1948 but suffered extensive damage in the powerful earthquake of 1981.
The church you see today was inaugurated in 1995. It follows the architectural style of a three-aisled basilica and is decorated with frescoes by painters from Piraeus. It celebrates on July 20th. It is usually open, and you can take a look inside (Tel. 210 4174361).
Prophet Elias Grove: It covers an area of 27 acres and is primarily covered with pine trees.

Information…

You can reach the top of Prophet Elias Hill by car directly from Vasilissis Georgiou B', which is renamed to Koraka Street.

As you leave the Papanastasiou Avenue, you will pass by Navarchou Votsi Street, which leads to Mikrolimano, and admire more impressive neoclassical buildings on your left.

For even more impressive panoramic photos, head southeast of the hill of Prophet Elias, to Herakliou Street (behind Veakeio Theater). From the plateau there, you'll see everything. Mikrolimano, the coastline of the Athens Riviera, Ymittos, and even the Acropolis, Filopappou, and Lycabettus. Even better, bring a pair of binoculars! The uphill bridge on Koraka Street also provides an excellent view.

To the south of Prophet Elias Hill, sacred carvings on the rock and traces of fortifications from the archaic era are preserved.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.