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INFORMATION FOR PILGRIMS TO MOUNT ATHOS

 The delivery of this permit is carried out by the “Pilgrims’ Office” branch in Ouranoupolis. Personal appearance with passport /ID card is required in order to obtain this permit. A letter of recommendation is no longer required.   The office in Thessaloniki is open from Monday through Saturday (09:00 - 16:00). It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.   The office in Ouranoupolis is open from Monday through Sunday from 05:30 - 13:00, Saturday 06:00 - 13:00 and Sunday 08:00-13:00 In general, the “HOLY EXECUTIVE OF THE HOLY MOUNT ATHOS-PILGRIMS’ BUREAU” issues only ten permits per day for non-Orthodox visitors (foreigners) and 100 for Greeks and Orthodox visitors. These permits are valid for a four-day visit on specific dates. Prolongation of the four-day validity can be issued from Mt. Athos authorities in Karyes. Clergymen should obtain in advance a written consent (“Evlogia”) from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople by writing to: The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fanari, Istanbul, Turkey (tel +90 2125 349037). Upon arrival in Ouranoupolis, the port where the boats depart for Mt Athos, visitors must obtain a residence permit “Diamonitirio”. This permit, which costs 30 Euros, allows the visitor to visit and stay at the monasteries of his choice. Students who can prove their student status through a school ID pay only 10 Euros. The holder of a permit may proceed to Mount Athos without any other formalities. The monasteries do not charge for their hospitality, but donations are accepted. U.S. citizens may also make tax-deductible donations to the Mount Athos Foundation of America ( www.mountathosfoundation.org ) and U.K. citizens may make tax-deductible donations to the Friends of Mount Athos ( www.athosfriends.org/giving/gift-aid-form.pdf ).

Most of the monasteries and sketes require prior arrangements for accommodations.   Mount Athos visitors should be decently attired. In the event of misconduct, a permit can be withdrawn. Severe penalties are enforced against anyone who attempts to remove religious items from Mount Athos collections. While taking photographs is permitted, the use of video and movie cameras is strictly forbidden. Also, because hunting is strictly forbidden on Mount Athos, hunting dogs and rifles are strictly forbidden.

The following is information on bus and boat lines (It is advisable to check timetables before departure because they are subject to change).

  Bus Terminal to Ouranoupolis: “KTEL CHALKIDIKIS”

tel. +30 2310 316 555, web site: www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr   Daily departures by bus from Ouranoupolis (148 km, 3hours). The first bus is at 05.30h. There is a boat connection with the bus from Thessaloniki, as well as with the domestic bus Daphne – Karyes (12 km).

 Boat Lines

“Mount Athos Lines”: 23770 21041, 23770 71149

“Microathos”: 23770 71400

 “Aghia Anna” Boat: 6974 819885

CONTACTS OF THE HOLY MONASTERIES AND SKETES

Pilgrims who wish to stay overnight in the Holy Monasteries or Sketes must reserve a place beforehand.  

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Αρχική » Mount Athos » How to visit

How to visit

The first step to arrange a visit to Mount Athos is to secure accommodation either at a monastery or at a skete.

After setting the date of the visit, pilgrims must obtain a “diamonitirio” [entry permit]. For the issuing of a diamonitirio, interested parties must contact the pilgrims’ office in Thessaloniki (located at 109, Egnatia St., phone no. +302310252575, fax no. +302310222424) well in advance – depending on the time of year, even a month earlier. The diamonitirio is personal and pilgrims can pick theirs up from the pilgrims’ office in Ouranoupoli or from the boat at Ierissos on the date of entry into Agio Oros, according to previous arrangements. Entry permits are valid for four days; in the event of no boat service due to inclement weather, the same permit is valid for the next day. All Greek citizens and foreigners have the right to obtain a diamonitirio. Entry is banned to women, and underage boys must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors must be dressed modestly in long trousers and may not bring video cameras.

The pilgrims’ office in Ouranoupoli (phone no. +302377071422) is located next to the municipal car park, which is open 24 hours a day and where you can leave your car safely for a reasonable price. The pilgrims’ office is open from 7:30 am and to pick up your diamonitirio you will need your ID card or passport and pay 20 Euros.

Pilgrims’ Office

You can only arrive at Mount Athos by sea. There are two ports serving pilgrims; one is Ierissos for boat routes serving the eastern side of the peninsula, and the other is Ouranoupoli for those visiting the west side.

Most pilgrims travel through Ouranoupoli because, especially in the winter, boat departures are rarely cancelled due to inclement weather, unlike Ierissos which, in the winter, is exposed to strong northeastern winds that may cause the cancellation of some routes. On the contrary, boat service from Ouranoupoli is only cancelled due to southern winds, which are rarer.

The process of visiting Agio Oros is fairly straightforward. Once you settle on the dates of the visit, contact the pilgrims’ office in Thessaloniki (+302310252575) to arrange for a diamonitirio. This contact must occur several days before the planned visit (especially in the summer months), because the number of pilgrims allowed to enter Mount Athos every day is capped at 120. Ideally, you should contact the pilgrims’ office a month before the planned visit. If the number of visitors for those dates has been reached, propose alterative earlier or later dates. You will be asked to provide the following information: full name, father’s name, date of birth, ID card or passport number and issuing authority.

The diamonitirio is a document issued by the Holy Epistasia (supervisory authority) for a four-day (three-night) stay on Mount Athos. The diamonitirio states the pilgrim’s information, a code number, the date of entry and the length of stay. If a longer stay becomes necessary, an extension may be granted by the Holy Epistasia, which is based in Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos.

Once the initial stage, obtaining the diamonitirio, is accomplished, you must reach out by phone to the monasteries you wish to visit, because accommodation availability is limited.

On the day of the visit, between 8:00 and 9:30 am, you must pick up the diamonitirio from the pilgrims’ office in Ouranoupoli (ID card or passport is necessary) and buy a ferryboat ticket. Boarding is from 9:30 to 9:45 am, which is the departure time for Daphne. This sea route, approximately two hours long, is presented below in photographs, with the corresponding time of arrival at the arsanas (port) of each monastery along the way. The arrival times are ± 5-10 minutes, depending on the boat operating the route.

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The visit to Agion Oros must be planned well in advance. The place is holy ground dedicated to prayer, meditation and self awareness. Worshipers and visitors are welcome but their numbers are controlled so that the disruption of the tranquility will be kept to the minimum. The dogmatic orientation is of the Greek-Orthodox faith. Thus, each day 100 people of this faith are allowed in and only 15 of other beliefs. The entry procedure is monitored by the issuance of the respective permit, called “diamonitirion”. Because of the small number of non-orthodox permits issued, one must make plans the earliest possible so that they can have the opportunity to find an availability for the dates he wants. Needless to say that spring and autumn are the most difficult times of the year to find empty spots. The contact and the reservation must be made through the office of the Holy Committee.

Once in Agion Oros, you can travel around using the local buses, although arranging one by yourself can be a challenge. The schedules practically do not exist. One must contact a driver and prearrange for the pick up and drop off and of course for the price.

The hospitality at the monasteries is provided free of charge. Bed and board are offered to the holders of the permit. However as people rediscover the unique beauty of Agion Oros and the resources of the monasteries are not without limits, it is usually advisable to have notified the monk in charge of the visitors (archontaris) so that he makes a note of your arrival and a bed is kept for you.

What you will need (to know):

+ Long sleeved shirts, longs trousers - even pyjamas, a light raincoat, sturdy shoes, hat.

+ Toiletries, towels and bathroom slippers.

+ Flashlight, drinking water container. Some packed food eg. biscuits.

+ Personal medication as no pharmacy available, mosquito repellent, sun protection.

+ Rucksack, light packing is advisable.

+ Photo camera is allowed but NO video camera. Mobile phones are permitted.

+ By sunset the monastery doors close. Don't waste time and stay out.

Email: [email protected]

• How to plan a visit?

To start with: every pilgrimage to Athos starts with an email send to the pilgrimsbureau in Thessaloniki:

athosreservation at sign gmail.com

Please notice: in this post use the words “at sign” instead of the symbol @, to prevent spy-bots to hack the email addresses of monasteries (thanks Japetus).

Remember that you’ll have aply for your Diamoniterion 3 months before the start of you pilgrimage. Only 14 non-orthodox visitors are allowed to enter each day (and 120 Orthodox) and you’ll need a reservation beforehand for the 3 nights you will spent in the different monasteries. Add the full names, passportnumbers and religion of the visitors, and a copy of their passports in your email.  When you collect your Diamoniterion on the morning of departure you pay eather 25 or 30 euro (Orthodox or not). And don’t forget to bring some cash money on Athos to pay further transportation (or make a gift).

Secondly: don’t forget to make a reservation 2 months before the start of your pligrimage for the ferry to Dafni at 9.45 h and back from Dafni to Ouranopolis at info at sign agioreitikes-grammes.com (the boat from Ierissos leaves at 8.35 h.: do say to the Pilgrims Office at forehand that the Diamoniterion is to be collected in Ierissos). For more information about the routes go to their website.

The cheapest way to go from Thesssaloniki to Ouranopolis is by Ktel bus from the Chalkidiki busstation (more information here ). A direct taxi from the airport will cost about 120 euro (call Fotis or Georgios 0030 693 6955000).

If you want to use transport by minibus/taxi on Athos use this information (thanks to Athos Maps ):

We recommend hotel Akrogiali in Ouranopolis: the owners Kosta and Karolina speak English (and Polish). This is the website : you can make a reservation by email: info at sign ouranoupolis-akrogiali.gr. It is a cheap and clean hotel, and ask for a room with a sea view, if you like the sound of the waves. Don’t forget to mention my name Wim Voogd or the name of this weblog.

For breakfast or a cold beer later we recommend bar Isalos from Maria, say hello from us! (also read our updated post 1729 ).

In Karyes you book a room in Hotel Samaradiko by calling +30 693 4507743 or +30 2377 024114 (no blessing for website or email).

The bus from Karyes back to Dafni to take the large ferry at 12 h leaves at 10.

__________________________________________________________________________________

In the list below you will find the different possibilities to communicate digital (instead of phoning of faxing): please help us to keep this list up-to-date and share new information with us (use the “mail us” option in the Links or write a comment)!

Email addresses and online reservations of the monasteries

01 Great Lavra: iera.moni.megistis.layras at sign  gmail.com (thanks Joseph Skinner 11/8)

02 Vatopedi: filoxenia at sign  vatopedi.gr or monastery at sign vatopedi.gr

The online regsitration is here : https://hospitality.vatopedi.gr/reservations/login.aspx  

03 Iviron: ivironfiloxenia at sign gmail.com (also: imiviron at sign gmail.com). Website www.imiviron.gr (thanks Michael, 28/8/2022)

04 Chilandariou: pilgrims at sign  hilandar.org

05 Dionysiou: monidionysiou at sign  gmail.com or grafiotaxis at sign  yahoo.com (thanks Michalis 28/7) ! According to Vladislav these addresses do not seem te be valid- 2/12/2017! another adress: agiosnifon at sign  gmail.com (January 2018 – thanks Guido).

06 Koutloumousiou – imk.athos at sign gmail.com (thanks Cris 25/8) or use this contact form on the internet (in Greek):

07 Pantocratoros – filoxenia at sign  pantokrator.gr (thanks Gabriel 16/5/17) or try this website https://pantokrator.info/contact/ .

08 Xeropotamou: xeropotamou  at sign  yahoo.gr

09 Sografou: new information: online booking form: https://zograf.site/en/login (thanks Vladislav Golupski 19/3/2023)

old info: zografergo at sign  gmail.com or zograf.logos at sign  gmail.gr

10 Docheiariou – dohiarmon at sign  gmail.com (thanks R.V. Knezevi 30/11)

11 Karakallou – does not use email for reservations. Best is to call during working hours, between 14-16 AM +30-23770-23225 (information 25/9/2023).

Notice: according to Angel – see comment 5/2/18- this Yahoo.gr e-mail address is not correct. The yahoo.com adress is also unavailable, so no contact by email at the moment (31/1/2023).

12 Filotheou: philotheou.filoxenia at sign gmail.com (thanks John 5/4/2017) or info at sign philotheou.gr (FoMA 22/9/19) or grammateia at sign philotheou.gr (info agionorosroutes.com 27-2-2023)

13 Simonopetras: hospitality at sign  simonopetra.gr

14 Agiou Pavlou: visit at sign agiou-pavlou.gr (thanks Vladislav 2/12/17) or moni at sign agiou-pavlou.gr (FoMA 22/9/19)

or: evdokimos at sign  me.com (thanks Ioan 27/7)

15 Stavronikita – no email, no electricity (except for the arcondariki outside the monastery): telephone +30 23770 23255, call at the end of the morning local time, 10 or 11 PM, and try to call several times if they don’t answer at first.

16 Xenophontos: bew: register here and make a hospitality request online (currently no group larger than 3 pilgrims – thanks Andrew Buchanan 17/3/2023) – https://filoxenia.imxenophontos.gr/reservations/login/en

old: arhontariki at sign  imxenophontos.gr  or inxenofa at sign  gmail.com (thanks Michalis 27/7)

17 Grigoriou: filoxenia at sign imog.gr (thanks Mike 11-1-2023).

18 Esfigmenou – ?  (konaki in Karyes: info at sign esphigmenou.gr, do not use for reservations)

19 Panteleimonos: rpm.palomnik at sign gmail.com or st.panteleimon at sign list.ru (info agionorosroutes.com 27-2-2023)

20 Konstamonitou – imkonstamonitou at sign gmail.com (thanks Michail, 12/2/19) (beware: the monastery does not have electricity and non-orthodox pilgrims are not allowed in church and the trapeza).

We have 18 email addresses of monasteries now, only two to go, Esfigmenou monastery and Stravronikita (info 12/2/2019).

Skiti Agiou Andreou: +30 23770 23810

Prodromou: prodromuarhondaric at sign yahoo.com (thanks Gavriil 24/8/18)

Nea skiti: evangelismos.neaskiti at sign  gmail.com(thanks Michael, 12/2/17). This email address iera.nea.skiti at sign gmail.com I found here. (3/12/2018). The email address seems to be offline (9/2/2019 – thanks Vladislav). Or use this contact form on the internet (in Greek!). Wim, 30/7/2019

Skiti Xenofontos: eugeniosathos at sign   gmail.com or nikonathos at sign   gmail.com

Skiti Profitou Eliou: skitioros at sign gmail.com and skiti at sign thinkit.gr (thanks Vasilis 12/1/2024): the former archondaris Filemon is now the abbot here

Kafsokalivia: call on Monday to Friday on 11.00 PM on this telephone number (from Europe): 00 30 2377 023319.

Lakkou skiti:

Kelli of Father Stephan: 23770 23636 Kelli of Father Varsanufie: 23770 23858 Kelli of Father Pavel: 23770 22587 (6972765236 – mobile) Kelli of Father Isidor: 23770 23871 Kelli of Father Pimen: 6946572266 – mobile (thanks Leonard – 16th June 2020)

Timiou Stavrou – Father David: crest1969 at sign hotmail.com

Mylopotamos – father Epifanios started this winery. He died 11/12/2020: info at sign mywines.gr or go to the website mywines.gr.

Kerasia: Father Theologos: +30 2377 022843

Michalis made me aware of this website from the Mount Athos Center, with lots of (partly dated) information. 

Updates -short discription-:

July 27th 2023: post 1835 is tranported to an extra page on this weblog “How to plan a visit?” and we added on overtview of the taxi prizes.

June 27th 2023: text ajustments and more information about how to ask for a Diamoniterion, general info and a new (third!) emailadress of Dionysiou, plus a telephone number of Kerasia

March 19th 2023: Sografou now also has an online registration form to ask for hospitality

March 17th 2023: Xenofontos now offers an online hospitality/registration request (max 3 pilgrims)

March 6th 2023: The monastery of Lavra also opened their doors again for pilgrims, but this information is not confirmed. It is said that only one or two pilgrims (!) are allowed to visit the monastery each day (information FoMA meeting).

February 20th 2023: at the time of writing negative Covid tests are no longer required in order to be granted a Diamonitirion to travel to the Holy Mountain from mainland Greece!

October 2022: Vatopedi now requires a ‘pilgrim id’ for its reservations, obtainable after a quick registration at hospitality.vatopedi.gr.

Old information from the COVID period: The fathers at Vatopedi monastery required a negative PCR covid test to be shown (not older then 48 hours -€60- at vipdocter.gr in Ouranopolis), despite the obligatory rapid test performed upon entrance to Athos (free of charge). It was irrelevant that you already have a full vaccination scheme or not. Another new rule at Vatopedi was that FIRST and directly you have to go this monastery, if you go to Athos. So you cannot go to another monastery (or Karyes) first and afterwards go to Vatopedi).

Wim Voogd, 12/1/2024

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Mount Athos – Pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain in Greece

Agio Oros (Mount Athos) comprises of 20 majestic monasteries and 12 hermitages. It is a unique monastic community organized in the peninsula of Halkidiki. Karyes is the capital of Agio Oros, and this is where you will find the 10th century Church of Protato with the famous icon “Axion Esti” (meaning: “It is worthy to bless Thee, the Virgin”). Only men are allowed at Mount Athos, but even men must obtain a special permission to be granted entrance.

What is Mount Athos?

Where is mount athos, map of mount athos, how to enter mount athos, why is mount athos holy, mount athos in greek mythology, history of mount athos, mount athos – how to visit, mount athos and byzantine monasticism, 20 monasteries at agio oros, agio oros in modern history, mount athos – weather and climate.

Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula in Macedonia, Greece. A  World Heritage Site , it is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and forms a self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of the  Hellenic Republic . Spiritually, Mount Athos comes under the direct jurisdiction of the  Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople . Today Greeks commonly refer to  Mount Athos  as the “ Holy Mountain “. In Classical times, the peninsula was called  Akté .

The peninsula, the easternmost “leg” of the larger Halkidiki peninsula, protrudes 50 kilometres into the Aegean Sea at a width of between 7 and 12 km and covers an area of 335.637 km2. The actual Mount Athos has steep, densely forested slopes reaching up to 2,033 metres. The surrounding seas, especially at the end of the peninsula, can be dangerous. In ancient Greek history two fleet disasters in the area are recorded: In 492 BC  Darius, the king of Persia , lost 300 ships under general  Mardonius  (H erodotus “Histories” book VI (Erato), Aeschylus “The Persians” ). In 411 BC the  Spartans  lost a fleet of 50 ships under admiral  Epicleas . ( Diodorus Siculus, “Bibliotheca historica” XIII 41, 1–3 ).

Mount Athos on a map

Though land-linked, Mount Athos is accessible only by a single boat, the St. Eshpigmenitis. The daily number of visitors entering Mount Athos is restricted and all are required to obtain a special entrance permit valid for a limited period. Only males are allowed entrance into Mount Athos, which is called “Garden of the Virgin” by monks, and Orthodox Christians take precedence in the permit issuance procedure. Only males over the age of 18 who are members of the Eastern Orthodox Church are allowed to live on Athos, either as monks or as workers.

According to the Athonite tradition, the  Blessed Virgin Mary  was sailing accompanied by  St John   the Evangelist  from  Joppa  to  Cyprus  to visit  Lazarus . When the ship was blown off course to then pagan  Athos  it was forced to anchor near the port of  Klement , close to the present monastery of  Iviron . The Virgin walked ashore and overwhelmed by the wonderful and wild natural beauty of the mountain, she blessed it and asked her Son for it to be her garden. A voice was heard saying “Ἔστω ὁ τόπος οὖτος κλῆρος σός καί περιβόλαιον σόν καί παράδεισος, ἔτι δέ καί λιμήν σωτήριος τῶν θελόντων σωθῆναι” (Translation: “ Let this place be your inheritance and your garden, a paradise and a haven of salvation for those seeking to be saved “.) From that moment the mountain was consecrated as the garden of the Mother of God and was out of bounds to all other women. Read more of the history of Mount Athos at Wikipedia

In Greek mythology Athos was the name of one of the Gigantes (Giants) that challenged the Greek gods during the Gigantomachia. Athos threw a massive rock against Poseidon which fell in the Aegean Sea and became the Athonite Peninsula. According to another version of the story, Poseidon used the mountain to bury the defeated giant. Herodotus tells us that Pelasgians from the island of Lemnos populated the peninsula, then called Acte or Akte. (Herodotus, VII:22) Strabo reports of five cities on the peninsula: Dion, Cleonae, Thyssos, Olophyxos, Acrothoï, of which the last is near the crest. (Strabo, Geography, VII:33:1) Eretria also established colonies on Acte. Two other cities were established in the Classical period: Acanthus and Sane. Some of these cities minted their own coins. The peninsula was on the invasion route of Xerxes I, who spent three years excavating a channel across the isthmus to allow the passage of his invasion fleet in 483 BC. After the death of Alexander, the Great, the architect Dinocrates proposed to carve the entire mountain into a statue of Alexander.

The history of the peninsula during latter ages is shrouded by the lack of historical accounts. Archaeologists have not been able to determine the exact location of the cities reported by Strabo. It is believed that they must have been deserted when the new inhabitants in Athos, the monks, started arriving at some time before the 7th century AD.

Entry to the mountain is usually by ferry boat either from the port of Ouranoupoli (for west coast monasteries) or from Ierrisos for those on the east coast. Before embarking on the boat all visitors must have been issued a diamonētērion, a form of Byzantine visum written in Greek, dated using the Julian calendar, and signed by four of the secretaries of leading monasteries. There are generally two kinds of diamonētēria: the general diamonētērion that enables the visitor to stay overnight at any one of the monasteries but only to stay on the mountain for three days, and the special diamonētērion which allows a visitor to visit only one monastery or sketai (collection of small cells with a central chapel), but to stay as many days as he has agreed with the monks. The general diamonētērion is available upon application to the Mount Athos Office for Pilgrims in Thessaloniki. Once this has been granted it will be issued at the port of departure, on the day of departure. Once granted, the pilgrim can contact the monastery where he would like to stay to reserve a bed (one night only per monastery). The ferries require reservations, both ways. The duration of the general visa can be extended by several days by personally applying at the main office in Karyes.

Most visitors arrive at the small port of Dafni from where they can take the only paved road in the mountain to the capital Karyes or continue via another smaller boat to other monasteries down the coast. There is a public bus between Dafni and Karyes. Expensive taxis operated by monks are available for hire at Dafni and Karyes. They are all-wheel drive vehicles since most roads in the mountain are unpaved. Visitors to monasteries on the mountain’s western side prefer to stay on the ferry and disembark at the monastery they wish to visit.

Mount Athos and Byzantine monasticism

Agio Oros (meaning: Holy Mountain) is a self-governed part of the Greek state, but politically subject to the Ministery of Foreign Affairs and in regard of its religious aspect to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The mountain is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. By an imperial document, the rule was established that no female may set foot on the peninsula of Athos.

Most inhabitants at Agio Oros are Orthodox monks living in monasteries, sketai, cells and hermitages. Other inhabitants include employees and workers, as well as several male pilgrims (up to 110 are allowed entrance per day). They come to Agio Oros for the purposes of prayer, meditation, and study.

20 monasteries at Agio Oros

Among the total of 20 monasteries, one is Russian, one is Serbian, one is Bulgarian, one is Georgian, and the rest are Greek. There are Bulgarian and Romanian sketai as well. The foreign monasteries and sketai are supported by their respective countries.

Inside the monasteries, holy icons, relics, mosaics, and frescos of great value are kept. Some items have been lost during fires or raids, but today an enormous number of historical texts, rare manuscripts and documents are kept in their respective libraries.

The first Christian inhabitants at Agio Oros were members of the clergy fleeing the persecution of the iconoclasts. In the beginning they were living alone in the caves. Later, monasteries were built and organized. In this way, Agio Oros became a refuge for Christian souls seeking salvation through praying and fasting. The prestige of Agios Oros grew fast and soon Byzantine emperors spent time here here as monks.

Agio Oros in modern history

Gradually, Agios Oros was granted the right of autonomy, at first by the Byzantine emperors Nikiforos Fokas and Ioannis Tsimiskis. The autonomy of Agios Oros was maintained throughout history till today, even through the period of Ottoman rule when it was enhanced. After the First World War, different international treaties have recognized the unique status of Mount Athos. It has gained its own special status in regard to the accession of Greece to the European Union.

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Holy Mount Athos

What is Athos? Everyone may have his own answer to this complex question. It is a peninsula in Northern Greece, one of the branches of the peninsula of Halkidiki. Athos Mountain, or Agion Oros, is one of the highest mountains in Greece (2033 meters). Athos is a historically significant place: it was here that the fleet of Xerxes, who sought to conquer Greece, was wrecked.

Athos was the name of one of the titans who, during a war with the gods, threw a huge stone at Poseidon, which later became a mountain. No doubt, Mount Athos has a centuries-old story, but for millions of people it is also a bastion of faith, a beacon of Orthodoxy that lights the way for us even in the darkest times. It is here that the world's only Orthodox monastic republic, Holy Mount Athos, is located.

Mount Athos Location

Mount Athos is the third, most eastern, "branch" of Halkidiki Trident in eastern Macedonia (Mount Athos is on the Halkidiki Peninsula in Northern Greece). The Athos peninsula is 57 km long, at its widest point it is 10 km wide, the total area is 336 km2.

In the center of the peninsula there is a vast mountain range which ends with Mount Athos. The top of the mountain as if piercing the sky, and its slopes, covered with old trees, are striking with the incomparable beauty of pristine nature of the area.

The borders of the monastic state are defined by the place called "Frangokastro" and extend to the Cape Arapis on the other side of the peninsula.

Mount Athos Weather

The climate of the peninsula of Mount Athos is generally Mediterranean, with mild winters and cool summers. This is due to the beneficial effects of the sea that washes it. The rainfall ranges from 600 to 800 millimeters, but at its highest point, the top of the Athos Mountain, it exceeds 1000 millimeters.

The old name of Mount Athos peninsula is "Akti". It is believed that the earliest inhabitants of Athos were Pelasgians. They were succeeded by the "Chalkidians" from Evia, who most probably also gave their name to the whole peninsula of Halkidiki. The history of Athos goes back a few thousand years.

Athos in Mythology: What was on Athos before the Orthodox Monasteries?

Halkidiki is a sacred place - the battlefield of the gods. On top of Mount Athos was once built a temple with a statue of Zeus with two huge diamonds instead of eyes that glowed at night.

Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus, Hercules, Titan Creus, Aphrodite, Urania, Morpho, Artemis, Dimitra and other deities were worshipped here.

The Pantheon of ancient Greek pre-Christian Athos was dominated by Artemis. Because of the wildlife and rich fauna, it was this goddess who was best associated with the area. Apollo's sister reigned in the wild virgin forests, unspoiled by human hands.

Christianity on Mount Athos

According to Christian tradition, the Virgin Mary and St. John were caught in a storm on their way to Cyprus, which forced them to moor ashore 1000 km northwest of where the Iviron Monastery now stands. Since then, the Mother of God became the only queen and ruler of Mount Athos, while other women are strictly forbidden to enter this place. Legend has it that when the Virgin Mary happened to be on Mount Athos, she liked it so much that she herself asked her Son to give her the patronage of this place.

Thus, the Holy Mountain in Greece became known as the "garden of the Mother of God". Mount Athos is dedicated to Her glory and She is the only woman allowed to be there.

In the first half of the eleventh century the name "Mount Athos" began to appear in manuscripts. Paul the Apostle passed through the town of Apollonia on Mount Athos, on his way from Philippi to Thessaloniki. This moment is considered the beginning of the spread of Christianity on Athos. The monk Gerasimus Smirniotakis in his book "The Holy Mountain" says that the "transition" to Christianity was quite rapid, pointing to the time of Constantine the Great, about 321.

The main pagan temple of Artemis began to decay in the sixth century AD. It was first converted into a Frankish church in 1204, and during the Turkish occupation in 1456 it was converted into a mosque. Some monasteries were built on the remains of ancient Greek temples, whose architectural details were integrated into the structure as building decoration. Finally, in many places, large parts of the ruins of ancient walls remain.

Today there are 20 Orthodox monasteries on Mount Athos: 17 of them are Greek: Great Lavra, Vatopedi, Iviron, Koutloumousiou, Agiou Pavlou, Dionysiou, Xenophontos, Stavronikita, Osiou Grigoriou, Konstamonitou, Esphigmenou, Docheiariou, Karakalou, Filotheou, Simonopetra, Xeropotamou and Pantokratoros.

There is 1 Russian monastery - St. Panteleimon, 1 Serbian - Helandariou and 1 Bulgarian - Zografou.

There are also 14 sketes and a lot of cells and kathismas on the Holy Mountain.

There are two types of monasteries:

a) Royal (vasilikes), which are so called because they were founded by order and with the assistance of Byzantine emperors, or because they were approved by an imperial Golden Bull,

b) Patriarchal and stauropegial, because they were associated with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which undertook their spiritual supervision, and also because the cross in such monasteries was erected by the Patriarch or bishop himself.

List of Mount Athos Monasteries

1. Great Lavra, 963, patron saint's day is 5/18 July, the day of St. Athanasius the Athonite.

2. Vatopedi, 972, patron saint's day is March 25/April 7, the day of the Annunciation.

3. Iviron, 972, patron saint's day is August 15/28, the day of the Dormition.

4. Hilandar (Serbian), 1197, patron saint's day is November 21/December 4, the day of the Presentation of Mary.

5.  Dionysiou, 1375, patron saint's day is June 24/July 7, the day of the Nativity of John the Baptist.

6. Koutloumousiou, late 13th century, patron saint's day is August 6/19, day of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

7. Pantokratoros, 1363, patron saint's day is August 6/19, the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

8. Xeropotamou, 10th century, patron saint's days are March 9/22, the day of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, and September 14/27, the day of the Exaltation of the Cross.

9. Zograf, 10th century, patron saint's day is April 23/May 6, the day of St. George the Victorious.

10. Docheiariou, 10th century, patron saint's days are November 8/21, the day of the Archistratigus Michael, and October 1/14, in honor of the holy icon of the Mother of God "Gorgoepikoos".

11. Karakal, 10th century, patron saint's day is June 29/July 12, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

12. Filotheou, 990, patron saint's days are 25 March/April 7, the day of the Annunciation, and 24 August/6 September, the day of St. Kosmas of Aetolia.

13. Simonopetra, 1257, patron saint's days are December 25/January 7, the day of the Nativity of Christ, and July 22/August 4, the feast of St. Mary Magdalene.

14. Agiou Pavlou, 10th century, patron saint's days are February 2/15, the feast of the Purification, and 28 July/10 August, the day of St. Paul of Xeropotamou.

15. Stavronikita, 1541, patron saint's day is December 6/19, the feast of St. Nicholas.

16. Xenophontos, 11th century, patron saint's day is April 23/May 6, the feast of St. George.

17. Gregoriou, 1345, patron saint's day is December 6/19, the feast of St. Nicholas.

18. Esphigmenou, 11th century, patron saint's day is the day of the Ascension of the Lord. The monastery of Esphigmenou does not commemorate the Ecumenical Patriarch, nor does it have canonical communion with the other monasteries of the Holy Mountain.

19. St. Panteleimon, early 10th century, patron saint's day is July 27/August 9, the feast of St. Panteleimon.

20. Konstamonitou, 11th century, patron saint's day is December 27/January 9, the feast of St. Stephen.

Athos Governance: Who Governs the Monastic Republic?

Diamonitirion — Mount Athos Visa

Only men are allowed to cross the border of Holy Mount Athos. The rule known as "Avaton" forbids access to the Holy Mountain by any woman. Violation of this prohibition is punishable by law, not only earthly but also divine law. According to the procedures established by the Holy Kinot, male visitors must obtain written permission (Diamonitirion) to visit the monastic republic from the at the Mount Athos office in Ouranoupoli.

Diamonitirion is the document that allows us to enter Mount Athos and stay there. We present it together with our passport at the check in the ships, at the customs, as well as at the entrance of each monastery.

You will be asked for your exact identity information, and in addition, you must know and indicate in advance which of the monasteries you are going to visit. So it would be a good idea to contact the holy monasteries in advance and find out where you can stay.

Permits are issued to adult male pilgrims over the age of 18. Young men under the age of 18 are allowed to enter the Holy Mountain if accompanied by their father. Young males accompanied by the leader of an adult group visiting Mount Athos for educational purposes need the written consent of their parents, which is verified by the official authorities of their country.

The monasteries do not charge for accommodation, but donations are accepted. Most monasteries and sketes ask pilgrims to contact them in advance to make reservations. Also, pilgrims with a special hostel (an invitation from a monastery) can only stay at the monastery that invited them.

The Diamonitirion specifies the details of the pilgrim, his code number, date and days of stay at the specified monastery. Usually a period of 4 days is set, but in case the pilgrim wants to stay longer, he can request an extension of the "visa" at the Holy Kinot in Karyes.

The cost of Diamonitirion

The cost is €25 for orthodox Christians and €35 for non orthodox pilgrims. A discount is available for special groups of pilgrims, such as schoolchildren, students and the disabled, who pay the amount of €10. Large families (four or more children) are free of charge.

How to get to Athos from Greece? Communication with Monasteries

Transportation serves both the coastal and the most remote monasteries. However, there are many hiking trails that can be accessed on foot. Video filming is forbidden, photography is allowed, but not inside the monasteries. The use of bicycles is also forbidden.

The boat to Athos departs at 09:45 from Ouranoupoli. The ferry arrives at the port of Daphne on the Holy Mountain at about 12:00. From Daphne you can take a bus to the capital of Athos, Karyes, and from there to the other monasteries.

There is also another ferry, "Agia Anna", which departs from the port of Ouranoupolis at 06:30 (except Saturday/Sunday). It is best to spend the previous night in Ouranoupoli.

Some pilgrims prefer to reach the monasteries on foot. The reason is that then there is an opportunity to meet and interact with the hermits and ascetics who live at a distance from the monasteries and to walk through the unique forest where there are no roads, but only paths. Pilgrims can also climb to the top of Mount Athos and visit the Church of the Transfiguration at an altitude of 2033 meters.

What is at the top of Mount Athos?

Not far from the shore of Mount Athos there is one of the deepest points of the Aegean Sea with a depth of 1,500 meters.

Due to its shape and location, Mount Athos has an unpredictable microclimate; it is also worth considering that northwest winds and large temperature variations are frequent even during the summer months and that there is a lot of snow in winter.

At the top of Mount Athos, at the end of the peninsula, at an altitude of 2033 meters, there is a beautiful holy Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior. This special Temple is a true miracle created by Father Diomidis (the monk of the Great Lavra in charge of the construction).

Mount Athos Hiking Trails

Hiking on Mount Athos is common, but it is best to prepare in advance. Lush vegetation, virgin forests, beautiful paths, streams, small waterfalls, springs and the many wondrous beauties of Mount Athos await the pilgrims on their way.

It is worth bearing in mind that in all the beauty of this pristine land there are pitfalls. To be safe, one must remember that pilgrims, travelers and just tourists should know that the paths of Mount Athos are marked for each direction in the monasteries, cells, sketes and arsanas (ports).

One should never deviate from one's course, as small crossings and overgrown trails can lead to many dangers. The lush vegetation that covers roads or paths often leads to crevices, ravines, and rocks that are adjacent to the roads and trails. Inattention can lead to injury.

Due to numerous natural disasters, the ground is loose in many places. Walk on solid ground as much as possible and avoid approaching roadsides or trails where you are unsure of the stability of the ground.

The Life of Mount Athos Monks

A monk, like every God's creature, gets born and dies, but a monk's birth is not identified with a biological birth, but with a new hypostasis, which he acquires after a long and intense test of his faith. The candidate first enters the brotherhood as a novice. There, under the guidance of the Father-Superior, he follows a special program of prayer and service for a year, and sometimes for a longer period.

Monks awaken early, after midnight. Before going to the church, the monk performs penance in his cell, praying with the rosary and reading soul-saving books. At 7:30 Byzantine time, the clergymen light the candles, candlesticks, lanterns, and chandeliers of the main temple.

Not unlike any small community that needs a proper distribution of work in order to function and survive, monasteries and sketes survive, develop and fulfill its saving mission by entrusting monks with various ministries. For example, the archondaris (welcoming guests) wait to offer rest to newly arrived pilgrims, serve them a glass of water, raki and sweet lukum, and distribute everyone to their rooms. Other brothers take care of the workers who come to Athos, of the elderly, of the animals; the bakers bake bread and the cooks prepare food in the kitchen.

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Mount Athos (Agion Oros)

Mount Athos is situated in the entire third, eastern and most beautiful peninsula of Halkidiki, called the peninsula of Athos. It is the only place in Greece that is completely dedicated to prayer and worship of God. For this reason, it is called the Holy Mount. It is about 50 Km in length, 8 to 12 Km in width and it covers an area of about 350 square kilometres. Mount Athos is the oldest monastic republic still in existence.

The borders of the monasterial city are defined on the ground by an imaginary line that starts from the location "FRAGOKASTRO" in the West coast and reaches the cape "ARAPIS" in the opposite end. The natural beauty of the peninsula is extraordinary. The Mount Athos that dominates is a huge cone of 2.033 metres in height. It's a naked, treeless crest that seems to lance the sky and its slopes are fully covered by ancient evergreens. All these help to create an area of incomparable natural beauty.

It is also worth noting that time on Mount Athos runs according to the Julian calendar , abandoned by most of Western Europe in favour of the present-day Gregorian calendar during the sixteenth century. This means that dates in the monastic republic are ten days behind the rest of us. An Edict issued in 1060 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomachos , laid down strict conditions as to who might be admitted, and forbade females from ever crossing its border. This prohibition is still enforced, and no female may set foot on Agion Oros. Men wishing to visit the Holy Mountain are admitted by special permit only. The rest must be content to end their journey at Ouranoupolis. It is quite a large sophisticated resort and is known for its aquamarine waters and delightful beaches. Cruises around the Athos peninsula depart daily from Ouranoupolis. Further north still is Nea Roda. A couple of kilometres along the road from Nea Roda is the tiny port of Tripiti where you can get the ferry to the island of Amouliani, an attractive resort with adequate accommodation and camping facilities.

Mount Athos from Wikipedia The Holy Mount of Athos The Treasures of Mount Athos

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Mount Athos

A thickly forested, mountainous ridge thirty miles long and two to five miles wide, Athos is the easternmost of the three promontories of the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece. Known as Agion Oros, or the 'Holy Mountain' in modern Greek, Athos is a semiautonomous republic of the Greek Orthodox church. Many hundreds of monks inhabit twenty large monasteries, smaller monastic houses and remote mountain caves. The religious history of Athos goes back long before the birth of Christianity however. The great marble peak of Mt. Athos (6670 feet, 2033 meters) was mentioned as early as Homer and Aiskhylos as being the first home of the Greek gods Zeus and Apollo before they moved to Mt. Olympus. Pagan hermits have lived in the deep forests since prehistoric times for it was known then, as it has been forgotten now, that places where the ancient gods had lived still held great powers for humans.

According to legends told by the monks of the Athonite monasteries, the Christian history of Mt. Athos begins with the Virgin Mary. In 49 AD, Mary set sail for the island of Cyprus to visit her friend Lazurus. During her journey a great storm arose and Mary's ship, blown far off course, was guided by divine signs to a protected bay on the eastern coast of Athos. Gazing upward at the towering mountain and its beautiful forests Mary declared, "This mountain is holy ground. Let it now be my portion. Here let me remain." Mooring her boat near the site of the present day monastery of Iveron, Mary came upon an ancient temple and oracle dedicated to Apollo. As she stepped ashore a great crashing sound resounded across the peninsula and all the idols and pagan statues came crashing to the ground (it is interesting to note that a well documented earthquake occurred in northern Greece in 49 AD). The great stone statue of Apollo spoke out, declaring itself a false idol and calling the forest hermits of Athos to come and pay homage to the Panaghia , the true mother of God. So the legend goes, Mary baptized the hermits and thus began the glorious Christian history of Mt. Athos.

According to historical sources however, Athos first became a refuge for Christian hermits and anchorites in the 6th and 7th centuries, and during the 8th and 9th centuries these hermits began to gather together into small monastic communities. The era of the great monastic establishments began with the founding in 963 AD of the first and most renowned of the monasteries, the Great Lavra, on the southeast coast of Athos. Under the protection of the Byzantine emperors, the building of monasteries flourished until, at its zenith in the 15th century, Mt. Athos harbored 40 monasteries and some 20,000 monks. When the Turkish armies captured nearby Thessaloniki in 1430, the monastic community prudently surrendered, thus remaining unplundered and relatively autonomous. The long period of Turkish rule brought about a decline and impoverishment of the monasteries that was later somewhat alleviated by the patronage of the Russian tsars in the 19th century. In 1926, a decree by the Greek government made the Monks Republic an official part of Greece while allowing it to retain an autonomous theocratic government. Since the 1950's there has been a gradual reawakening of interest in the monastic life and currently more than 3000 monks live amongst the monasteries and forest hermitages of Athos.

Most of the monasteries are along the coastal lands and consist of a quadrangle of buildings enclosing a church. The churches contain some of the finest examples of Byzantine art, icons and treasure, and the monastery libraries hold a vast number of classical and medieval manuscripts. There are 17 Greek monasteries, 1 Russian, 1 Bulgarian, and 1 Serbian. While a few of the Greek monasteries have basic electricity, most function very much as they did in medieval times. The monks grow their own food, spend long hours each day in prayer, and rarely venture off the peninsula. The author has spent time in 17 of the 20 monasteries and finds Mt. Athos to be one of the most wonderful sacred places he has visited in the world.

An edict of the Emperor Constantine Manomachos in the year 1060, enforced to this day, forbids women from setting foot on the peninsula. This stringent exclusion of females applies to domestic animals as well. While some readers may deem the original edict foolish and its continued enforcement to perpetuate anachronistic patriarchal attitudes, it is important to note that Athos is one of the very few remaining places on the entire planet that has resisted the relentless culture-destroying machines of 'modernization' and 'social liberty'. Furthermore it is interesting to note that the entire peninsula of Athos has preserved a richness and luxuriance of vegetation unique in Greece and all of Europe. For nearly ten centuries the fields have lain ungrazed by cattle, the trees have escaped the ravages of goats, and the flowers have been unpicked. In a world so rapidly being destroyed and homogenized by the 'culture of progress' it is, for this author at least, refreshing to know that at least a few ancient human ecosystems are left intact and relatively undisturbed. The so-called 'enlightened' attitudes of science and democracy have neither promised nor provided this. Greek Orthodox monasticism, on the other hand, has done so and, in the process, has protected a place with a rare, enchanting and powerful presence of peace.

• Pilgrim’s Guide – Friends of Mount Athos

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Mount Athos

• 1 Understand
• 3.1 Permission to enter
• 3.2 Entering Mount Athos
• 4 Get around
• 6.1 Religious pilgrimage
• 12 Stay safe

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Mount Athos (Άγιο Όρος Ayio Oros , classically Ἅγιον Ὄρος Agion Oros ) is a mountain and a peninsula in Macedonia , northern Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

This 390-km² peninsula houses some 2,000 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, and 400 other men who work in the monasteries. An autonomous state under Greek sovereignty, entry into the area is strictly controlled and only male residents are allowed to live there and only male visitors are allowed .

Agio Oros (Holy Mountain) is a self-governed part of the Greek state, politically subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople as regards its religious aspect. The mountain is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God, and by an imperial document ( typicon ) the avaton was established and no female may set foot on the peninsula. Most of its inhabitants are Orthodox monks living in monasteries, sketae (small villages of cells), cells (individual homes), and hermitages. Those who are not members of the clergy include employees and workers, but also the numerous visitors to Agio Oros , who come for the purposes of meditation, prayer and study.

Of the 20 monasteries, one is Russian, one is Bulgarian, one is Serbian and the rest are Greek. There are also Romanian and Bulgarian sketae . Foreign monasteries and sketae are supported by their respective countries.

These monasteries possess holy relics, icons, frescoes and mosaics of great value. Although many have been lost in fires or stolen during raids, a vast array of historical texts, rare documents and manuscripts - all historical heirlooms - are kept in their libraries.

The first to settle here were iconodules, members of the clergy fleeing from the persecution of the iconoclasts. They came and lived as anchorites, unknown, and literally alone inside caves. Later, monasteries were built and were organised in a monastic state. Agio Oros became a refuge for those seeking to save their souls through fasting and praying, and its prestige grew to a point that even Byzantine emperors came and lived as monks here.

The right of autonomy of Agio Oros was granted gradually, initially by the Byzantine emperors Nikiforos Fokas and Ioannis Tsimiskis. This autonomy was maintained and even enhanced throughout the Ottoman rule up to this day. After World War I, a series of international treaties recognized the special status of the mountain. Although nominally part of Greece, special stipulations and exemptions apply in regard to Greece's accession to the European Community (now European Union).

Average visitors can stay for free at each monastery for one day, for a maximum of three nights/four days, pending acceptation of request and only after having secured a written permission ( diamonitirion ) from a dedicated bureau in Thessaloniki . Scholars and genuine Orthodox novices can obtain longer permissions.

Individually organizing logistics for a Mount Athos pilgrimage can be challenging, since monasteries may not also reply promptly to phone and e-mail inquiries, if at all. Check for updates at sites such as Athos Weblog . It may also be helpful to get in contact with people who have made recent pilgrimages to Mount Athos.

Greek is the main language spoken at Mount Athos. Some English is spoken by many monks, but some monks, especially at the smaller sketes, may speak only Greek. Thus, it may be helpful to at least know some basic Greek or to have a phrasebook ready.

Traditionally Russian is the second most common language on Athos after Greek, but as of 2023 there are few Russian pilgrims on Athos due to travel restrictions following Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Romanian is the third most common language on Athos after Greek and English.

Monks are typically greeted with the Greek word evlogíte (ευλογείτε, meaning "blessings"). A common response to evlogíte is en kyriō iesou (εν Κυρίω Ιησού, "in the Lord Jesus"), and some monks can get creative with their response as evlogíte can also be understood as a formal imperative verb ("please bless").

Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Russian are spoken in a few monasteries and sketes.

Permission to enter

A fair bit of advance preparation and bureaucracy is necessary to visit Mount Athos, because of the monastic community's strict entry controls. A permit ( diamonitirion ) is required for each pilgrim, whether visiting as an individual or as part of an organised group. There are daily quota of entry, and a fee is required for the diamonitirion :

• Up to 100 Orthodox pilgrims per day, €18 per pilgrim
• Up to 10 non-Orthodox pilgrims per day, €30 per pilgrim, reduced to €10 for non-Orthodox students
• No limits to Orthodox priests in holy orders.

Foreign visitors also need a passport; if you are Orthodox but not Greek, you will need to prove this (a letter from a priest or a baptismal certificate will do). Boys under 18 may obtain permission to visit, but must be led by his father.

First contact the Pilgrims' Bureau (address below). They may need plenty of notice of your proposed visit - up to six months if you plan to visit during the summer months of June, July, and August when the monasteries are full to overflowing with Greek and Orthodox pilgrims, but as little as a few days outside the peak season.

Contact: The Holy Executive of the Holy Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau, 109 Egnatia Str., 546 22, Thessaloniki. ☏ +30 2310 252578 , Fax +30 2310 222424

Once you have gained permission from the Pilgrims' Bureau you must contact each monastery where you plan to stay. Without their consent you will be turned away. A good site for further details of monasteries and how to contact each one by phone or fax is here . Many of the sketes speak only Greek, so it may be helpful to have an interpreter assist. You must contact each monastery individually by telephone and e-mail (if applicable) to confirm, preferably around one month in advance.

The "general diamonitirion" usually granted to visitors allows you to stay a maximum of three days, visiting monasteries at will. The more rare "special diamonitirion" allows an unlimited stay at only one monastery.

Religious pilgrimage

Upon arrival at a monastery, the pilgrim may ask the guest-master if and when they may see and venerate the relics and miraculous icons and may receive a kind of guided tour and information about the history of the monastery.

• An afternoon service, known as "Vespers" to Orthodox, which in most monasteries takes place from 17:00 to 18:00, but in some monasteries and sketae this time may vary.
• A morning service, known as "Matins" or Orthros , which begins at 04:00, and blends into the Divine Liturgy until it ends at about 07:00.
• An All-Night Vigil, only available on nights of major Orthodox feasts or the feast of the saint to which the concerning monastery is dedicated.
• Venerate the relics : each monastery and skete has precious relics available for veneration, which normally are available during or immediately after church services. In order to properly venerate the relics, please consult the Respect section.

Some monasteries on Mount Athos continue to follow the Julian calendar and Byzantine time. Local dates can thus be 13 days behind the rest of the Gregorian world, and a day starts counting at sunset. Instructions to pilgrims are generally given in "Greek time", i.e. Gregorian calendar and Greek standard time (UTC+3 in the summer, UTC+2 in the winter), but check with your hosts if ever in doubt.

• Go hiking between monasteries : Many monasteries and sketes in Athos are connected by walking trails and are only 1-2 hours apart from each other, making it possible to visit several monasteries in a day on foot with a nice walk in nature in between. The Friends of Mount Athos help to maintain the trails and publish a regularly updated online guide of footpaths with GPS traces for download .
• Cross the Athos Desert : it is the terrain between Megisti Lavra (and/or Prodromos skete) and Agia Anna skete. This terrain is very wild, completely devoid of roads, populated by hermits and/or hesychasts, but of immense spiritual beauty for believers. The crossing - by foot - normally takes about 6 hours. Hikers can start from Saint Anne's Skete, Little Saint Anne's Skete, Karoulia, or Katounakia. Going eastward, you will pass St. Basil's Skete, Kerasia, Kafsokalyvia (which has a port with ferries taking passengers to Dafni; also the site of St. Akakios the Younger's hut), Agios Nilos (site of St. Nilus the Myrrh-streamer's cave), a very rocky and bare mountain slope, and finally the Romanian skete of Podromos. From there, you can walk north to the Great Lavra. This footpath can also be done in reverse.
• Climb the summit of Mount Athos (2033 metres): this can only be reasonably achieved departing from Agia Anna skete during summer. Climbing from the skete to the summit and coming back takes about 8 hours. There is a shelter on the way up, but it only has basic dormitories and no food or drinkable water. Footpath junction signs, which are usually only in Greek, point the way to the peak with ΚΟΡΥΦΗ ΑΘΩ ("Athos Peak").

• Animal therapy : Although pilgrims are not allowed to bring pets to Mount Athos, the locals in Daphne and Karyes keep a few dogs (male only due to strict entry control). Cats (both sexes) roam wild around the peninsula. The dogs are generally very friendly to pilgrims whereas the cats are of variable amiability. Spending time with the dogs and cats is a common pastime when pilgrims wait for buses (whose arrivals can be anything from on time to an hour late).
• Watch sunset at Athos: only properly seen from the monasteries of the southern coast ( Agios Pavlou, Agiou Dionysiou, Osiou Grigoriou, Simonos Petras, Xiropotamou, Agiou Panteleimonos, Xenophondos, Diochariou ), the Chalkidikian sunset is of a quality which can easily challenge all other Greek sunsets, either in the mainland or the islands.
• Stargazing : The night sky can be seen very clearly from Mount Athos, since monasteries do not typically turn on bright lights at night. If you wake up for Matins (prayers from 03:00 to 04:00), be sure to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.

"Souvenirs" are mostly of religious nature. Shops are available at Dafni, Karyes and some monasteries. The following is an incomplete list of items you may buy to take with you:

• Icons (all prices and sizes)
• Prayer ropes (known as komboskini in Greek or chotki in Russian)
• Books about lives of the Saints
• Frankincense
• CDs or cassettes of monastic choirs (the most renowned from the Holy Mountain being the one from Simonos Petras)
• Walking sticks (engraved with Mount Athos emblem)
• Wine produced at Athos' vineyards

If you happen to buy prayer ropes or icons, don't miss the opportunity of having them blessed with a monastery's holy relics!

Provided you stay at the monasteries, or you are just passing by at the right time, you will eat meals and dinners with the monks in the monastery's refectory ( trapeza ). The food is normally extremely good, usually vegetarian but with cheese and bread. Mostly it will be bread, olives and vegetables, although occasionally fish or cheese may be served.

For drink, on fasting days (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) only water will be served. On non-fasting days Greek wine and/or Greek retsina will be available. If you happen to be on the monastery's saint feast day, a piece of sweet cake will surely be available as a dessert.

In order to eat at the monasteries, you must be attentive to eating schedules. These normally take place after their services, that is, after Vespers in the afternoon (at around 18:00) or after Divine Liturgy in the morning (at around 07:00). Still, these times are not exact, so you should ask at each monastery for the timetable, and if you arrive after eating times, you may ask the archontaris (guestmaster) for food.

It is a good idea to take additional supplies with you. They can be bought at Dafni or Karyes, but do not rely on having great variety available. It is very strongly recommended to stock up on food (preferably energy bars and bread) at Ouranoupoli, since Dafni and Karyes are the only settlements at Mount Athos that sell very limited selections of food. The ferries also have limited selections of coffee, juice, and bread.

You will surely enjoy the food because the monks are trained specialists at cooking, and the food is all freshly grown and healthy. Furthermore, eating takes place with a monk reading aloud lives of the saints or extracts from the Bible, so even if you don't understand the language, it will be an enjoyable experience.

Some of the larger monasteries sell wine and spirits. Beer, wine and spirits can also be purchased in Karyes or Dafni.

However, even though you may be able to purchase alcohol, it is considered inappropriate to drink in front of the monks. Practise moderation!

At the monasteries and sketes, you may be served water, grape juice, or sometimes strong alcoholic spirits (ouzo or tsipouro).

For drinking water, be sure to bring a refillable water bottle (1-2 litres) to fill with tap water, which is safe to drink at the monasteries. You may also occasionally be able to drink spring water at fountains along certain footpaths.

The only places to sleep in Mount Athos are the monasteries and sketae , which offer spartan dormitory-style accommodation in guesthouses ( archontariki ). Most, but not all, require reservations in advance. For a directory of the phone and fax numbers of the monasteries and sketae , check here and also the Friends of Mount Athos website [ dead link ] .

Check in before 16:00 or risk being shut out! Simple meals are included at specific times. Showers and restrooms are shared by pilgrims. Most monasteries have hot water, but some of the more remote sketes may only offer cold showers. There have also been reports of bedbugs at a few of the monastery hostels.

No payment is expected for stays of one night, but donations are usually accepted, especially if you request and receive permission to stay longer.

Mount Athos is where monks go to escape the modern world, and as you're visiting as a guest, you have to respect their rules and behave as they expect you to. In general terms, monks expect pilgrims to visit them, and not tourists . When possible, try to keep a pious attitude, even if you are not Orthodox, and be sensitive that some monks may not want to discuss topics that seem too "worldly" for their concerns. The monks consider themselves to be living in a place without time, so when inquiring about chronological dates (e.g. the foundation date of the monastery) do so in a tactful way which avoids making you look touristy.

Conventions of behaviour vary somewhat from monastery to monastery, so when in doubt, ask the master of the guesthouse, the archontaris . In general:

• Do not hold your hands behind your back as if on a sight-seeing tour, hold them in front of you in a sign of reverence.
• Avoid engaging in activities which may be disrupting for the monks, like bathing in the sea or listening to loud music.
• Photography of monasteries is allowed, but photography of monks or inside churches is generally prohibited without explicit permission. In some monasteries (e.g. Agiou Panteleimonos) photography is banned in the whole monastery territory. On feast days, the presence of huge crowds result in many people taking photographs even inside the church, and in these cases the ban is not enforced. However, avoid taking photographs with flash or in a manner which may be annoying to the monks.
• Video filming is prohibited in all Mount Athos, however this is rarely enforced for low-quality video being made by point-and-shoot cameras. However, if you are filming with professional equipment, you will raise many suspicions that you are producing a sneak documentary about the Mountain!
• Dress respectfully: long trousers only; no shorts. Shirts and T-shirts with short sleeves are often allowed, although not in all monasteries. To be on the safe side, it is best to wear long sleeves, since monks at some of the more conservative sketes and monasteries may tell you to immediately cover up your arms. Dressing in white shoes may also be considered disrespectful. Plain clothing with dark colors (black, dark blue) are strongly recommended over light colors (white, pink). It is best to avoid clothing with fancy printed images and logos.
• While visitors are usually welcome at services, there may be space constraints in the summer high season, and non-Orthodox may be restricted to certain outer parts of the church (e.g. the exonarthex) or expected not to attend at all. Even if allowed in the services, non-Orthodox should abstain from partaking from the Holy Mysteries (Communion) or taking the antidoron (unconsecrated bread) at the end of the service, and should inquire before venerating relics if they are allowed to do so.

Because Athos is a monastic community with strict entry controls, violent crime is largely unheard of. Occasionally pilgrims can get rowdy due to the free-flowing alcohol at some establishments, but they do not mean harm and the right thing to do in that case is to politely distance yourself and inform the guestmaster.

Theft is also rare for the same reason of religious piety and access control. It is common to see neatly lined-up luggage on benches in public places, for example at the Karyes bus terminus and outside small shops and churches, where the owners of the luggage have put down their luggage temporarily in order to go on a short walk. Be sure to collect all your luggage when you return though: due to the sparse availability of transport, if you forget your luggage, it will be very difficult to retrieve it.

Important phone numbers for police stations, ports, and post offices can be found here .

When walking around Mount Athos, follow the usual safety tips and precautions for hiking . Some footpaths, especially in steep, rocky part of the southern peninsula, can be very steep and rocky with no guardrails. Bring enough food and water to last for the entire day when going on long-distance treks. It is very strongly recommended to stock up on food (preferably energy bars) at Ouranoupoli, since Dafni and Karyes are the only settlements at Mount Athos that sell very limited selections of food. The ferries also have limited selections of coffee, juice, and bread.

Many minor footpaths are unmarked, and they can be surprisingly deserted. When hiking through remote areas, it can be easy to get lost in remote areas such as the slopes of the Mount Athos peak or the Anti-Athonas area, so be sure to have GPS and bring a good map (the best one available in 2022 is the map of Mount Athos by Peter Howorth ). Due to the rugged terrain, distances can seem much longer than they look on flat maps. Phone reception is not available in remote interior areas.

• The closest destinations to Mount Athos are the ones the ferries depart from: Ouranoupoli and Ierissos .
• The closest big city — and well worth a visit — is Thessaloniki .

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The Monasteries of Mount Athos, Agio Oros

Discover the spiritual haven of the monasteries of mount athos, agio oros in greece.

Nestled on the Athos peninsula in the Halkidiki region of Greece, The Monasteries of Mount Athos, also known as Agio Oros or the Holy Mountain, offer a captivating and unique experience for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and historical exploration. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, each with its own rich history and architectural wonders.

A Journey of Spiritual Significance

The Monasteries of Mount Athos hold immense religious importance and have been a center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism for centuries. Dating back to at least 800 AD during the Byzantine era, these monasteries have preserved their traditions and spiritual practices, making it a pilgrimage site for devout believers.

Architectural Marvels and Intricate Frescoes

As you explore the monasteries, you'll be captivated by their architectural beauty. The Byzantine-style buildings boast intricate frescoes that depict religious scenes and stories. Each monastery has its own unique design and historical significance, offering a glimpse into the lives of the monks who reside there.

Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty

Beyond the spiritual allure, Mount Athos is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. The lush peninsula is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, providing stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Visitors can embark on hiking trails that wind through the mountains, offering panoramic vistas of the landscape. Alternatively, you can unwind on the pristine beaches and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Fun Facts and Historical Significance

Did you know that Mount Athos has been inhabited since ancient times? Its long Christian presence and historical monastic traditions have shaped its identity. The monastic community of Mount Athos governs the mountain and most of the Athos peninsula, making it an autonomous region in Greece. Women are prohibited from entering the area governed by the monastic community, a tradition that has been upheld since the founding of the monastic community in 963.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mount Athos is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the monasteries are open to visitors. However, it's important to plan ahead and make arrangements for accommodations and permits well in advance. The number of visitors allowed on the peninsula is limited, ensuring a serene and intimate experience.

A Unique and Enriching Experience

A visit to The Monasteries of Mount Athos is a journey that combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the architectural marvels, delving into the spiritual practices of the monks, or simply immersing yourself in the serene surroundings, this destination has something to offer everyone.

Embark on a pilgrimage to The Monasteries of Mount Athos and discover a world where spirituality and history intertwine, leaving you with a profound sense of awe and enlightenment.

Mount Athos, Greece

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• Mount Athos Agion Oros

A unique artistic creation combining the unique beauty of unspoiled nature with the expanded forms of architectural creation

An Orthodox spiritual centre

The peninsula of Mount Athos is the easternmost of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki. The characteristic conical peak of the imposing mountain reaches 2,033 meters. Its slopes are overgrown with dense and untouched vegetation. Far from daily human intervention, Mount Athos maintains a natural environment of astonishing beauty. Centuries-old trees, dense forests, steep cliffs and gurgling waters compose a truly special landscape. This space is entirely dedicated to the prayer and worship of God. For this reason it is also called Agion Oros ("Holy Mountain"). Here there are only monasteries, hermitages, huts, cells and "sanctuaries". It is an "Autonomous Monastic State" within Greece that is perhaps unique in the world, with the exception of the secular Lhasa of Tibet. The special architecture of the monasteries, with the fortress layout, the imposing towers, the amazing bell towers, the vaulted domes, the wood-carved and marble iconostasis, but also the amazing decoration of magnificent frescoes, hagiographies and portable icons. Art, Ethnology and Ecclesiastical History. In the monastic state the "avaton" is valid, that is, the visit of women is forbidden. Trekking Hellas has planned a great 6-day trek to Mount Athos for a really deep acquaintance with this sacred place!

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How To Reach Mount Athos

Only men are allowed to visit Mount Athos, according to the Protocol of the monastic state. A few days before their visit, visitors have to phone Mount Athos offices at Thessaloniki in order to make their booking and receive a code number. This code number is necessary because the number of visitors is limited to 120 men per day.

Visitors can go by road (by private car or by bus) from Thessaloniki to Ierissos, Nea Roda or Ouranoupolis. The distance is around 140 km. These towns cater for tourists which means that there are all kinds of shops, hotels and parking spaces for cars. (In Mount Athos the only cars allowed are the cars of the monasteries and the workers that offer their services there). For this reason, the visitors must leave their cars in the city.

The visitors, before their visit to Mount Athos will have to take their "Diamonitirio" (permit to reside) from the offices of Mount Athos, at Ouranoupolis (on the right side of the port). The visitors will have to be there, at least one hour before departure, around 8.45 in the morning. In order to get "Diamonitirio" visitors must show their identity cards and pay a certain amount in euro.

Foreign visitors also need:

• A Letter of recommendation from their embassy in Athens or their consulate in Thessaloniki.
• A Permit of entry to Agion Oros from the Greek Foreign Ministry in Athens (Administration Division of Church Affairs) or from the Ministry of Northern Greece in Thessaloniki (Administration of Foreign Affairs).

On the "Diamonitirio" are written the identity elements of the visitor, his code number, the date and the number of days (duration of stay). This duration is usually four days, though in case the visitor wishes to stay longer, he can ask for an extension from the Holy Supervision (Ιερά Επιστασία – Iera Epistasia) at Karyes.

If a visitor had arrived of invitation of a monk, then he takes special "Diamonitirio" and days of stay may vary. Most monasteries will check the dates of stay, especially during summer and beginning of autumn, as the number of visitors is very high during this period. It is also necessary to call to the monastery of visit before going there as there may be no place to accommodate a visitor during the busy period of the year. The catalogue of monasteries with their phone numbers is printed on the back side of the "Diamonitirio".

From Ierissos the visitors can take the boat to the western side of Agion Oros. From there, they can visit the monasteries: Hiliandarion, Esfigmenos, Vatopedion, Pantokrator, Stavronikitas, Iviron, Megisti Lavra. To visit the other monasteries, they will have to go to the Monastery of Iviron (3 hours by boat) from there to Karyes (1/2 hour by bus) and from there to the monasteries they wish. This itinerary from Ierissos takes place only in the summer.

From Ouranoupolis, there is another boat that sails to the eastern side and stops over at the monasteries of: Dohiarion, Xenofon, Panteleimon, Gregorion, Dionysios, and Saint Paul. For the rest of the monasteries, visitors will have to go to the port of Daphne (2 hours by boat) and from there to Karyes (1/2 hour by bus).

The public transport in Agion Oros is not always satisfactory. For that reason, besides boats and buses, visitors can get local taxis to get to their destination. For the most part, visitors should be prepared for long walks.

Moving around in Mount Athos

In 1963 the first unpaved access road from Dafni to Karyes was open. Then a whole system of unpaved access road communicating with almost all the monasteries, skites and kelia was created due to high danger of fires. It also made easier the reconstruction works in the monasteries.

Nowadays monks use different types of cars according to their needs and there are local buses from Dafni to Karyes and also local taxis. They are minivans with capacity 10-12 people and can bring the visitors to all the destinations. The cost often is high.

There is possibility to reach some of the monasteries by boat. Paying their visits from one monastery to another one nearby, a visitor would usually walk. The suggested by monks time to reach the next point of destination, would probably need to be multiplied twice as monastic way of walking is rather speedy one.

Mount Athos

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• HIKING & CLIMBING the WEST KOOTENAY

GREECE – Mount Athos (Agion Oros)

Mount Athos (Agion Oros) December 26, 2019

GETTING THERE Mount Athos – commonly known as the Agion Oros (Holy Mountain),  is located on a peninsula in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece. It  is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries  including one Serbian, one Bulgarian and one Russian, 12 skites, and about 700 houses, cells or hermitages and approximately 2,000 monks. The “Garden of Virgin Mary” is the paradise of the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki. The Monastic State of the Holy Mountain is known to be the main carrier of Orthodox Christianity and holds spiritual glory and great history. It is a religious community with 1.000 years old monasteries, cells in caves or between the rocks, towers, domes, belfries, chants, etc. Although the peninsula of Athos is part of Greece, it enjoys certain autonomy. The “Holy Community” under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul administers the region. The administrative body is composed of representatives of the monasteries and maintains an office at Karyes (Iera Epistasia) where all visitors must register upon arrival at Mount Athos. 1. Permit. Visitors must contact the  Holy Executive of the Holy Mount Athos – Pilgrims’ Bureau at www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/visit-mount-atho in order to obtain a written permit, prior to their visit. This is a mandatory procedure since the number of visitors is limited to only ten permits a day for non-orthodox visitors (foreigners) and 100 for Greeks and Orthodox visitors. The permit is obtained from the office located in Thessaloniki. Reservations are made six months in advance by phone (+30 2310 252578) or  fax (+30 2310 222424) or e-mail ( [email protected] ). The office in Thessaloniki is open from Monday through Saturday (09:00 – 16:00). It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. The delivery of this permit is carried out by the “Pilgrims’ Office” branch in Ouranoupolis (under the Tourist Information Office). Personal appearance with passport /ID card is required in order to obtain this permit. A letter of recommendation is no longer required. The office in Ouranoupolis is open from Monday through Sunday from 05:30 – 13:00, Saturday 06:00 – 13:00 and Sunday 08:00-13:00 It is possible for women to see the monasteries from the boat and not land. However, just to get on the boat requires a permit! It is not clear if the number of permits given are for women and males who don’t intend to land. The people in the pilgrim’s office were less than pleasant. The first question they asked was “which monastery are you going to?” The boats are not tourist boats but are used to get people to the monasteries. 2. Avaton .  Only adult men and males under the age of 18 accompanied by their fathers are permitted to enter Mount Athos. This rule, which is known as the “avaton” in Greek, forbids access to Mount Athos to any female and is enforceable by law. According to the written rules of Mt Athos, it’s forbidden for women to enter by any means or stay anywhere in the monastic state. Any breach of the rule is a punishable offence, because Mt Athos is dedicated to one woman whom all the monks honour and pray to; the Blessed Mary. Moreover, young men who are accompanied by a guardian or adult group leader visiting Mount Athos for educational purposes need the written consent of their parents, verified by an official authority of their country. Women are not allowed inside Mount Athos but all visitors (men and women) can admire the magnificent monasteries by cruising along the west coast of Athos peninsula. These permits are valid for a four-day visit on specific dates. Prolongation of the four-day validity can be issued from Mt. Athos authorities in Karyes. Clergymen should obtain in advance a written consent (“Evlogia”) from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople by writing to: The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fanari, Istanbul, Turkey (tel +90 2125 349037). 3. Diamonitirio. Upon arrival in Ouranoupolis, the port where the boats depart for Mt Athos, visitors must obtain a residence permit “Diamonitirio”. This permit, which costs 30 Euros, allows the visitor to visit and stay at the monasteries of his choice. Students who can prove their student status through a school ID pay only 10 Euros. The holder of a permit may proceed to Mount Athos without any other formalities. 4. Accommodation. Most of the monasteries and sketes require prior arrangements for accommodations. The monasteries do not charge for their hospitality, but donations are accepted. Mount Athos visitors should be decently attired. In the event of misconduct, a permit can be withdrawn. Severe penalties are enforced against anyone who attempts to remove religious items from Mount Athos collections. While taking photographs is permitted, the use of video and movie cameras is strictly forbidden. Also, because hunting is strictly forbidden on Mount Athos, hunting dogs and rifles are strictly forbidden. 5. Bus and boat lines (It is advisable to check timetables before departure because they are subject to change). Bus Terminal to Ouranoupolis: “KTEL CHALKIDIKIS” tel. +30 2310 316 555, web site: www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr. Daily departures by bus from Ouranoupolis (148 km, 3hours). The first bus is at 05.30h. There is a boat connection with the bus from Thessaloniki, as well as with the domestic bus Daphne – Karyes (12 km). Boat.  Daily Boat Cruises, depart from Ouranoupoli (East Coast) and Ormos Panagias (Sithonia). Note that these are not “tourist” boats that stay and allow you to visit much. They are to bring people who are staying at the monasteries. Most are 5-30 minutes stops in Daphne that don’t allow for a visit. “Mount Athos Lines”: 23770 21041, 23770 71149 “Microathos”: 23770 71400 “Aghia Anna” Boat: 6974 819885

I drove here from Assos in Turkey on Christmas day and was able to find a restaurant open to have Christmas dinner outside the van. 

Agion Oros is a place of prayer and worship. This unique monastic community is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Greek-Orthodox religion. Although the tradition and the 1000-year-old history has always been that of Orthodoxy, the spirit of kindness and tolerance is predominant. Foreigners of other beliefs are welcome. During the prayers and the praxis of the liturgy, it may be prohibited to enter the main hall of the church. The mystic traditions and atmosphere especially early in the morning under candlelight is special.

History. Up to the 3 rd  century B.C., there were quite a few small Greek towns in the peninsula of Athos however as years gone by these cities decayed. Thus, the area remained deserted for many centuries. Tradition indicates that Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist encountered a stormy sea, on their way to visit Lazarus in Cyprus and they were forced to seek a shelter in a port, which is now the Holy Monastery of Ivira. The Virgin Mary, admired the wild beauty of the place and asked God to give her the mountain as a present. Then our Lord responded: “Let this place be your lot, your garden and your paradise, as well as a salvation, a haven for those who seek salvation”. Since then, Mount Athos is called “The Garden of the Virgin Mary”. The first monks arrived in Mount Athos during the 5th century AD, looking for a secluded place to worship God and find their peace on Earth. Ancient Greek Mythology has it that during the battle of Gods versus Giants, Athos threw a huge rock against Poseidon. The rock slipped through his fingers and fell into the sea creating a huge block of land which is now known as Mount Athos. However, on a different version of the story, it was Poseidon who threw the rock against Athos. The rock crushed Athos and buried him underneath. This rock is now called Mount Athos. The first inhabitants of the third peninsula of Halkidiki were from Andros, Thrace and Lemnos island. In 5th century BC, the Persian king Xerxes trying to avoid sailing with his fleet around Athos, ordered a channel to be dug at the narrowest point. The channel was 1,5 mile long, 100 feet wide and only 12 feet deep but failed because of all the granite rock. However, this cut led the peninsula to isolation. Many centuries passed as the place slipped to oblivion. Alexander the Great was another visitor. Later, John the Apostle, the author of the Gospel and Revelation, along with the Virgin Mary were sailing to Cyprus when the rough weather forced them to land on the northern side of the peninsula. Mary was astonished by the serenity of the place and asked her Son to offer this wonderful garden to her. Since then, Mount Athos is also known as the Garden of Mary. This resulted to the austere and absolute ban of all female creatures. Only Virgin Mary has the right to visit Mount Athos. Some three centuries later, Emperor Constantine thought of founding his new capital of his Empire there. But he respected the tradition and finally decided to choose Byzantium, Constantinople, for that role. Mount Athos peninsula remained empty. Although legends mention the presence of hermits since the 3rd century AD, positive presence of monks is identified around 7th century. The first hermit was Peter of Athos, an army officer from Istanbul who spent 50 years in a cave. The sanctity of the place was made official by a gold sealed document signed by Emperor Basil 1st (867-886). This secured that from then on, Mount Athos would be dedicated to monks and prayer. The name “Agio Oros” (Holy Mountain) came to identify Mount Athos as a place of worship. One century later, Athanasios of Trapezounta chose to live in Mount Athos and further develop the ascetic discipline. In 963 at the tip of the peninsula, Athanasios founded the Monastery of Lavra, still active today. The years passed and Agion Oros lived many adventures. Pirates and conquerors tried to steal the treasures. Young monks moved in giving a blooming only to be followed by desolation. New monasteries flourished and others were deserted. People from other orthodox countries came here to establish their cove or prayer. Agion Oros was greatly supported and occasionally fought by the various Byzantine Emperors. It also survived the four centuries of occupation by the Ottoman Empire. But through all this hardship, Agion Oros, continued its existence and prosperity. Today there are 20 monasteries and numerous sketes, hermitages and cells. Around two thousand people permanently reside there. The old buildings are being renovated and the cultural production knows new richness. The living history of Mount Athos is still active and attractive. Agion Oros has a rich and turbulent history that goes back for more than 1000 years. During that time, many administrative changes happened. Sometimes the monks were scarce and sometimes numerous. In the beginning of the 19th century they were around 6000 monks but just a few decades later only around 1000 remained. Habits and customs also changed in the course of time. It is only reasonable to assume that the monastic foundations also went through changes. Some were burned or deserted while new ones were founded. In the 10th century there were around 56 monasteries. A few centuries later the monasteries went to 180. The orthodox religion has been the dogma of the Byzantine empire since the schism in 1054. Compared to other Greek-Orthodox churches in Greece and elsewhere, the tradition is more austere, the prayers more detailed and the liturgy lasts much longer. The byzantine tradition is alive and dominant. The psalms and the chanting mix with the scent of incense, the light from the candles and the rising sun and the catholic devoutness. The utmost way to experience this is to get baptized as christian-orthodox in the byzantine way. This can be arranged but requires preparation and serious thinking.

Today. Practicing religion is the reason the monks reside here and spend years and years in prayer. Their meaning of life is to save their souls and the souls of the rest of us through prayer, fasting, humility and acts pleasing to God. At present 20 monasteries are still active. They form the administrative backbone of the Agion Oros community. Apart from the large monasteries, a number of smaller monastic structures also exist. These are the Sketes (Σκήτες), the Cells (Κελιά), the Huts (Καλύβες), the Seats (Καθίσματα) and the Hermitages (Ησυχαστήρια). The Sketes and the Cells also provide a monastic life. In the Huts, the Seats and the Hemitages the number of monks is smaller and the conditions of living much harsher. The people there usually feed on what the earth around them can offer and their “homes” are usually caves and rocks over the cliffs of the sea. These remote places administratively and spiritually are sheltered by a nearby monastery. A monk before retreating to this seclusive way of life has to obtain the permission, the blessing of the prior monk of the monastery. The 20 monasteries are divided in five groups of four monasteries each. The monasteries have a hierarchy that goes back in time, according to their history, wealth and privileges obtained by the byzantine emperors. Representatives of each of the 20 monasteries reside in an annex (konáki) in Karies where they form the administrative command, the Holy Community. Karyes is the administration of Mount Athos. It is the capital of the monastic community of Mount Athos, home of Proton (First), Holy Supervision, Holy Assembly. Karyes is a picturesque village, in the middle of the peninsula and has a magnificent view over the eastern Aegean coasts. It’s a community of residences (konaki) with workshops, shops, hostels and restaurants as well as a police station, a local clinic and a post office. The offices of Holy Community and Protaton (10th century) are the most impressive buildings in Karyes. The sanctuary has the miraculous icon of Virgin “Axion Esti”, the Virgin Mary of Mount Athos. The library contains 117 codes, lots of valuable printed books and the first Typiko (religious script) of Mount Athos, written on goat leather and signed by the Emperor Ioannis Tsimiskis. The monks follow the old Julian calendar (13 days later) and the Byzantine time (O during the sunset, apart from the monks of Monastery Iviron, who count the hours based on the sunrise). Monasteries are closed by sunset and open again at sunrise. Before sunrise, the bell of every monastery rings the bell calling his brothers to the matins.

The 20 monasteries according to the hierarchy are: Holy Monastery of Megistis Lavras . Megisti Lavra (The Great Lavra) is the oldest and biggest monastery of Mount Athos. It was founded in 963 by the monk Athanasios Athonitis with the financial support of the emperors Nikiphoros Phokas and Ioannis Tsimiskis. The monastery is dedicated to its founder, Agios Athanasios Athonitis and celebrates on the 5th/18th of July (according to the old-style calendar of Mount Athos). Megisti Lavra is a big complex of buildings that includes the superb Tower of Tsimiskis, located on a picturesque cliff, on the southeastern edge of Athos. T. +30 23770 23754 | F. +30 23770 23762 [email protected] 35kms from Karyes (7 hours) Holy Monastery of Vatopedion (972) T. +30 23778 88088 | F. +30 23778 88082 [email protected] [email protected]| Holy Monastery of Iviron (976). The Monastery Iviron is built on a picturesque area, in the middle of the eastern coast of Mount Athos, at a place which is said that Virgin Mary stopped to ask God to dedicate Mount Athos to herself. Consequently, the monastery is dedicated to the Assumption, celebrated on the 15 th  of August (or 28 th  of August) while its founder was Ioannis Tornikios, the consultant of the emperor Vasillios II. The monastery was renamed when the Georgians monks from Iviron Monastery come to be students of Athanasios Athonitis. The monastery is surrounded by two towers that were used as a fort against the raids of the intruders. The one is placed in the courtyard (1626) and the other one in the cardinal monastery (1725). www.imiviron.gr T. +30 23770 23643 | F. +30 23770 23248 [email protected] 7.5kms from Karyes (1.5 hours) Holy Monastery of Chelandariou (1197, Serbian).  The Monastery Chilandari is on the northern part of Mount Athos, surrounded by lush trees, known as fortress far away from the sea. Initially, in 1198, the emperor Alexios III, offered the monastery to a Serbian governor called Stephanos Nemania and his son, Ratsko, who proved to be a powerful man carrying out important responsibilities with great success. The monastery is dedicated to the day of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on November 21 st  / December 4 th . Tel.: +30 23770 23797 30kms from Karyes (6 hours) The Monastery Dionysiou (1375) stands on a bluff cliff in a deep wooded ravine at the western coast of Athos. The monastery was founded by Agios Dionysios, it is dedicated to the Holy Prodromos and celebrates on June 24th and July 7th. Also, more than impressive is the Refectory of the monastery which has a nice wooden door and interesting wall paintings. Tel.: +30 23770 23687, +30 23770 23-686 20kms from Karyes (4 hours) Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou (12th Century). The Monastery of Koutloumousiou is situated in the northeastern area of Athos, close to Karyes while it was founded in the 10th century, though its patriarchal monastery was built in 1393. It is dedicated to the Metamorphosis of Jesus Christ, celebrated on the 6 th  / 19 th  of August. Moreover, in 1821, the leader of the Revolution in Macedonia, Emmanuel Papas, was declared as governor and supporter of Macedonia in this monastery. Tel.: +30 23770 23226, +30 23770 23732 1km from Karyes (10 minutes) Holy Monastery of Pantokratoros (1363). The Monastery of Pantocrator is placed at a rocky cliff by the sea, in the middle of the eastern coasts of Athos peninsula. The monastery was founded in the 14 th  century by the Byzantines Alexios and Ioannis with the support of Emperor Ioannis Paleologos Vand is dedicated to Metamorphosis of Jesus Christ, celebrated on the 6 th /19 th  of August. T. +30 23770 23880 | F. +30 23770 23685 [email protected] 7.5kms from Karyes (1.5 hours) Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou (11th Century) Holy Monastery of Zographou (1270, Bulgarian) T. +30 23770 23247 | F. +30 23770 23247 [email protected] Holy Monastery of Docheiariou (11th Century). Located in the northern area of the western side of the Athos peninsula, it was founded close the port of Daphni in the end of the 10th century by “dohiaris, a student of Athanasios Athonitis. Therefore, the monastery was later called Dohiarios. Though, it was destroyed by pirates, the monks struggled to rebuilt it. It is said that the high tower was also constructed in the early 17th century. The monastery is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, celebrated on the 8th / 21st of November. Tel.: +30 23770 23245 15kms from Karyes (3 hours) Holy Monastery of Karakalou (1070). The Monastery Karakallou has a glorious tower, located at a picturesque area with a stunning view over the Aegean Sea, at the southeastern side of Athos peninsula. The monastery was founded in the 11th century, by a monk named Karakalas. Some people also argue that the monastery was named after a Roman Emperor, Karakalas, who had built a tower at the same place (211-217). Even so, the monastery is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, celebrated on the 29 th  of June /12 th  of July. Tel.: +30 23770 23225 17kms from Karyes (3.5 hours) Holy Monastery of Philotheou (992). The Monastery of Philotheou is placed at the same location of ancient Asclipiion, in the eastern part of Athos, which is approximately an hour away from the harbor of Arsanas. 12kms from Karyes (2.5 hours) T. +30 23770 23256 | F. +30 23770 23674 [email protected] Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras (1363) T. +30 23770 23254 | F. +30 23750 94098 [email protected] Holy Monastery of Agiou Pavlou (11th Century). The Monastery of Saint (Agios) Pavlos, located in the southern area of the western side of Athos peninsula, is composed of ten smaller monasteries which are built nearby the sea, surrounded by several castles and towers. Moreover, it is the only monastery that is close to the mountain Athos. The monastery is built around the 10 th  century by Monk Pavlos Xiropotaminos. Tel.: +30 23770 23355, 23250 25kms from Karyes (5 hours) Holy Monastery of Stavronikita (1542) Holy Monastery of Xenophontos (1070) T. +30 23770 23633 | F. +30 23770 23631 [email protected] [email protected] Holy Monastery of Grigoriou (14th Century). This  is an imposing building standing out above the rocks of the southwestern side of Athos between Simonos Petra and the Monastery Dionysiou. It was founded in the 14th century while is dedicated to Agios Nikolaos is celebrated on the 6 th  /19 th  of December.  The Holy Monastery was founded in the 14th century by the ascetic monk Gregorius Sinaitis. The present “Katholicon”, the main church was built in 1768, under the Athonite architecture. The Monastery possesses 279 manuscripts, other documents and approximately 4,000 printed books. Tel.:  +30 23770 23218, +30 23770 23670, +30 23770 23668 20kms from Karyes (4 hours) Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou (11th Century). Founded around the 10th or 11th century and rests on the northwestern coast of the peninsula of the Holy Mountain. The Monastery’s main church is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord having eight chapels and seven exterior ones. Esphigmenou ‘s Monastery has suffered various times of pirate’s raids and destructive fires. Among Esphigmenou’s treasures are relics of saints, the valuable cross of Pulcheria (Byzantine Empress), and a large part of Napoleon’s tent, which is used as a curtain for the sanctuary door of the “Katholikon”. Also, its library contains 372 manuscripts and more than 8,000 printed books. Tel.: +30 23770 23796, +30 23770 23938 25kms from Karyes (5 hours) Holy Monastery of Agiou Panteleimonos (1169, Russian). The Monastery of Saint (Agios) Panteleimon, also known as the Russian monastery, is built next to the sea, in the middle of the western coast of Mount Athos. When the monastery was founded in the 11 th  century, it was located at the eastern area. The present building complex, consisting of monumental buildings with a lot of floors, high vaults and big bells was built in 1765, when the old monastery of Agios Panteleimon was transferred from Paleomonastiro. It is dedicated to Agios Panteleimon, celebrated on the 27 th  of July / 9 th  of August. T. +30 23770 23252 | F. +30 23770 23252 [email protected] 15kms from Karyes (3 hours) Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou (1086). The Monastery Konstamonitou is situated in a wooded area with unique natural beauty, at the northern part of Mount Athos, almost an hour walking from the sea. It was founded in the 4 th  century by Megas Konstantinos or by his son, Konstantas who finally gave its name to the monastery. Unfortunately, the monastery was burned in the 11 th  century and then rebuilt with the financial support of the Emperor Andronikos. Tel.: +30 23770 23228 15kms from Karyes (3 hours) Monastery of Hilandariou T. +30 23770 23797 | F. +30 23770 23494 [email protected]

Skiti Aghias Annis T. +30 23770 23320 Nea Skiti T. +30 23770 23351 Skiti Kafsokalivion T. +30 23770 23319 Skiti Prodromou T. +30 23770 23294 Skiti Aghiou Andrea T. +30 23770 23810 Pilgrims who wish to stay overnight in the Holy Monasteries or Sketes must reserve a place beforehand.

NOMAD MANIA Mount Athos (Agion Oros) World Heritage Sites: Mount Athos Religious Temples : Monasteries of Mount Athos

Ouranoupolis Tower , Ouranoupolis. First mentioned in 1344, it is probably older. It was exempted from tax in 1379. The lower building was the first part built. The upper two levels date from the early Ottoman period after the earthquake of 1585. The wood parts of the interior and roof date from 1862. A fortified enclosure is attached to the on the east side of the tower and the northwest had a shipyard but the wharf is gone. It was owned by the Monastery of Vatopedi until 1924. The museum has burial vessels from 1100 BC and two copper helmets from the Persian Wars (492-449BC) found in the sea of Athos. The settlements of Chalkikiki has coins, pots, jewelry and burial offerings from Early Christian and  Post-Byzantine times. Modern Ouranoupolis was marked by the arrival in 1923 of refugees from the Greek-Turkish war of 1922. The tower was occupied by the British-Australian couple, Sydney and Joyce Loch who looked after the tower for 50 years and wrote books about the town. Ammouliani (Chalkidiki), In the NM “XL” series,

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Η Μοναστική Πολιτεία του Αγίου Όρους γεωγραφικά καθορίζεται εντός της χερσονήσου του Άθω και αποτελεί μέρος της Ελληνικής επικράτειας.

Ωστόσο, ιδιαίτεροι και μοναδικοί ιστορικοί λόγοι, όπως το ότι προϋφίσταται του νεοελληνικού κράτους,  ως αυτοδιοίκητο μοναστικό κέντρο, διέπεται από το γνωστό ως ειδικό ή εξαιρετικό καθεστώς του Αγίου Όρους, όπως αυτό ειδικότερα ορίζεται στο άρθρο 105 του Συντάγματος, στον Καταστατικό Χάρτη του Αγίου Όρους και στον Εσωτερικό Κανονισμό της Ιεράς Κοινότητος.

Τι είναι το Άγιον Όρος;

Εντελώς επιγραμματικά είναι μια ζώσα λατρευτική και ησυχαστική κοινότητα με συνεχή και αδιάλειπτη παρουσία αιώνων. Απαρτίζεται από 20 Μονές, Σκήτες, κελιά κα καθίσματα  διάσπαρτα σε όλη την χερσόνησο. Οι μονές βάσει τη τάξει είναι:

1.   Ιερά Μονή Μεγίστης Λαύρας

2.   Ιερά Μονή Βατοπαιδίου

3.   Ιερά Μονή Ιβήρων

4.   Ιερά Μονή Χιλανδαρίου

5.   Ιερά Μονή Διονυσίου

6.   Ιερά Μομή Κουτλουμουσίου

7.   Ιερά Μονή Παντοκράτορος

8.   Ιερά Μονή Ξηροποτάμου

9.   Ιερά Μονή Ζωγράφου

10. Ιερά Μονή Δοχειαρίου

11. Ιερά Μονή Καρακάλλου

12. Ιερά Μονή Φιλοθέου

13. Ιερά Μονή Σίμωνος Πέτρας

14. Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Παύλου

15. Ιερά Μονή Σταυρονικήτα

16. Ιερά Μονή Ξενοφώντος

17. Ιερά Μονή Γρηγορίου

18. Ιερά Μονή Εσφιγμένου

19. Ιερά Μονή Παντελεήμονος

20. Ιερά Μονή Κωνσταμονίτου

Το Άγιον Όρος αποτελεί ένα μνημειακό σύνολο παγκοσμίου ενδιαφέροντος, εγγράφηκε από την Unesco ως μνημείο παγκόσμιας κληρονομιάς (World Heritage List 454) διότι: α) Στο Όρος συναντάται ένας μοναδικός συνδυασμός φυσικής ομορφιάς και εκτεταμένης αρχιτεκτονικής δημιουργίας.

β) Το Άγιο Όρος έχοντας ευρεία επιρροή στον ορθόδοξο κόσμο, αποτελεί ένα πνευματικό κέντρο το οποίο για πολλούς αιώνες επηρεάζει μία εκτεταμένη περιοχή από τα Βαλκάνια μέχρι την Ρωσία, αλλά στις πέντε ηπείρους με μετόχια και μονές από την Αριζόνα των ΗΠΑ μέχρι την Αγγλία την Φιλανδία και την Αφρική. 

γ) Η οργανωμένη συμβίωση ανθρώπων από τον 10ο αιώνα και εξής, δημιούργησε κτίσματα όπως τα Καθολικά και τον περίβολο, τη τράπεζα, τα κελλιά, το νοσοκομείο, τη βιβλιοθήκη, παρεκκλήσια, οχυρούς πύργους, λιμάνια, Σκήτες, Κελλιά, Καθίσματα κ.λ.π., τα οποία αποτελούν πρότυπο ορθόδοξων μοναστικών καθιδρυμάτων.

δ) Στο Άγιον Όρος η μοναχική συνείδηση διατήρησε αναλλοίωτο έναν τρόπο ζωής και μια διαχειριστική πρακτική που η έννοια του όρου Αειφορία βρίσκει πραγματικό νόημα στη μετανεωτερική κοινωνική πραγματικότητα που τόσο ιδιαίτερα την έχει ανάγκη.

Επομένως η έννοια του μνημείου δεν αφορά μόνο τον τομέα του δομημένου περιβάλλοντος που αποτελεί και την πρώτη εντυπωσιακή εικόνα που δέχεται ο επισκέπτης του μοναδικού αυτού τόπου, αλλά καλύπτει τομείς σε ένα ευρύτατο φάσμα και σε μία συνέχεια και συνέπεια η οποία δεν συναντάται σε τέτοια έκταση σε άλλο μέρος του κόσμου.

Είναι ένα ανεκτίμητο θησαυροφυλάκιο γνώσης, για το σύνολο των ανθρωπιστικών και θετικών επιστημών, μία «κιβωτός ζώσης παρουσίας». Ταυτόχρονα αποτελεί συνεχή έκθεση τέχνης, μια πραγματική πρόκληση για το φιλότεχνο που θα επιχειρήσει μια εξερεύνηση διαχρονική στο κόσμο της υψηλής τέχνης και τεχνικής, εκπροσωπώντας και εκφράζοντας έναν πολιτιστικό χώρο με εκτενή γεωγραφικά και χρονικά όρια.

Στο Άγιον Όρος (ως σύνολο) υπάρχει:

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή ελληνικών χειρογράφων στον κόσμο

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή ελληνικών (βυζαντινών και μεταβυζαντινών) εγγράφων στον κόσμο

η μεγαλύτερη συγκέντρωση φορητών εικόνων στον κόσμο

μια από τις μεγαλύτερες πυκνότητες τοιχογραφημένων συνόλων στον κόσμο (100.000 τ.μ.)

ο μεγαλύτερος όγκος ιστορικών μνημείων στην Ελλάδα

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή αντικειμένων μεταλλοτεχνίας και ξυλογλυπτικής στην Ελλάδα

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή χαρακτικών στην Ελλάδα

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή οθωμανικών εγγράφων εκτός Τουρκίας

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή ρωσικών εγγράφων εκτός Ρωσίας

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή ρουμανικών εγγράφων εκτός Ρουμανίας

μια από τις σημαντικότερες συλλογές εκκλησιαστικών υφασμάτων της ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας

μια από τις σημαντικότερες συλλογές παλαιών ελληνικών εντύπων στην Ελλάδα (αρχέτυπα, παλαίτυπα)

η μεγαλύτερη συλλογή κεραμικών (ιζνίκ – Κιουτάχειας) στην Ελλάδα

μια από τις μεγαλύτερες συλλογές παλαιών φωτογραφικών πλακών στην Ελλάδα

Ενδεικτικά αναφέρονται (κατά προσέγγιση) ορισμένες συγκριτικές τιμές: Ελληνικά χειρόγραφα: Άγιον Όρος 15.000, Μονή Αγ. Αικατερίνης Σινά 3.500, Εθνική Βιβλιοθήκη Παρίσι 3.500, Βατικανό 3.000.

Φόρμα Επικοινωνίας

Είσοδος χρήστη, εγγραφή χρήστη.

Agion Oros – Άγιον Όρος

Benefits to Donors  | Products

• The Structure
• Monasteries 

Introduction: The Sacred Legacy of Agion Oros (Mount Athos)

Nestled amidst the tranquil landscapes of Greece, Agion Oros, also known as Mount Athos, stands as a timeless testament to spiritual devotion, cultural richness, and human endeavor. As one of the world’s most revered spiritual destinations, Agion Oros has captured the hearts and minds of countless pilgrims, scholars, and seekers over the centuries.

A Sanctuary of Spiritual Awakening: Agion Oros is not just a physical location; it is a sanctuary that transcends time, inviting individuals to embark on a journey of spiritual awakening. Its significance lies in its role as a hallowed ground where seekers and believers from across the globe converge to connect with the divine, seek solace, and deepen their spiritual understanding. Within the sacred enclave of Agion Oros, the air resonates with centuries-old chants, and the echoes of ancient prayers merge with the rustling leaves and the serene waves of the Aegean Sea.

Cultural Treasure Trove: Beyond its spiritual allure, Agion Oros is a treasure trove of culture and heritage. The monasteries that dot its landscape house a vast collection of illuminated manuscripts, exquisite icons, rare artifacts, and architectural marvels that offer glimpses into the artistic and intellectual achievements of generations past. Each monastery, with its distinct architectural style and unique contributions, weaves a tapestry that celebrates the Orthodox Christian tradition and the region’s historical significance.

A Haven of Tradition and Wisdom: Agion Oros serves as a living repository of ancient wisdom, monastic discipline, and a steadfast commitment to ascetic ideals. Here, monks embrace lives of solitude, reflection, and prayer, embodying a tradition that has persevered through the ages. The monks’ dedication to humility, selflessness, and a higher spiritual purpose resonates as a beacon of light in a world often consumed by material pursuits.

Preserving the Past for the Future: The significance of Agion Oros lies not only in its past but also in its profound impact on the future. It is a place where the threads of spirituality, culture, and human connection are interwoven, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and guide generations. As the world evolves, Agion Oros remains steadfast—a timeless anchor reminding us of the importance of preserving our spiritual and cultural heritage.

In the following pages, we will embark on a journey to explore the ways in which Agion Oros continues to flourish as a spiritual and cultural landmark. From its role in contemporary society to the steps taken to ensure its preservation, we will delve into the heart of this sacred sanctuary and its ongoing significance for all who seek to connect with something greater than themselves.