What is "munichia"

Munichia or Munychia (; ) is the ancient Greek name for a steep hill ( high) in Piraeus, Greece, known today as Kastella (Καστέλλα). This is a fashionable neighborhood in central Piraeus. On the top of the hill is a Greek Orthodox church named after the Prophet Elijah. The narrow streets around the church are surrounded by picturesque houses. The Veakeio Theater, known for its summer performances is located here.

In 403 BCE, Athenian democrats defeated forces of the Thirty Tyrants at the Battle of Munychia. In Antiquity there was also a local festival to Artemis.

The Mounichia or Mounichia was an ancient Greek festival held on the 16th (full moon time) of the month Mounichion (spring) in the honor of Artemis Mounichia. The surname of the goddess come from the hill of Munichia, where stood an Artemis’ temple, close to Piraeus and to the site of the battle of Salamis. The festival was instituted to commemorate the victory of the Greek fleet over the Persians at Salamis. Cakes adorned all round with burning candles were offered to the goddess. Young girls were dressed up as bears, as for the Brauronia.