What I can see

On the southeast side of Olympeion – specifically on the east bank of the Ilissos River – is the church of Agia Foteini. This place is the only part of the river that has not been covered. The church is of the Ottoman period, but today we see the reconstructed church of the 19th century.

What I can't see

The coverage of Ilissos was a great technical challenge for the time. Before the river was covered, a small waterfall and a small pond were located here, where the Athenians washed their clothes and the children swam. According to some testimonies, which are not scientifically confirmed, shortly before the Revolution of 1821 an Athenian woman allegedly went to wash her clothes, but in fact she carried gunpowder to the rebels. The destruction of Mount Hymettus’ greenery that was taking place until the beginning of the 20th century turned the Ilissos River into a torrent, resulting in a significant alteration of the natural landscape. Total alteration came with the human interventions and the covering of the river. In fact, in antiquity, Ilissos was a place of inspiration for Aristophanes and his comedies.

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