Mount Athos

Mount Athos’ Greek name, Agio Oros, refers to the fact that it is home to monks. For over 1,000 years, Orthodox Christians have been retreating here as hermits. They lead a cloistered life of hermits in 20 large monasteries that have maintained their independence from secular authorities.

Mount Athos is a Holy Mountain that rises 2,033 meters above sea level on the Halkidiki Peninsula. According to legend, a battle once took place here between the gods from Olympus and ancient giants. One of them, named Athos, threw a huge stone at his opponent, Poseidon. He missed, and the stone fell into the sea – that’s how this mountainous peninsula was formed.

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Video: Mount Athos in an advertisement for local wine

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Highlights

‘ Monastery on the mountain
‘ There are dozens of small monasteries on Mount Athoshttps://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Gora-Afonreterte/7_vnutri.jpg” alt=””/>‘ Dawn on Mount Athos
‘ Mountain Landscape
‘ Sea turning to sky

The peninsula itself is characterized by rare natural beauty. The slopes of the mountain are covered with ancient evergreen forests almost all the way to the top, which is 2033 meters high. According to legend, the Mother of God was traveling to Cyprus with St. John, and when a storm forced her to seek shelter, she stopped at the place where the Iberian Monastery is now located. The beauty of these places made such an impression on her that the Lord gave Our Lady this mountain, saying: “May this place be yours, become your garden and your paradise, as well as salvation and shelter for those who seek salvation.”

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Monasteries of Mount Athos

‘ The top of the mountain in the clouds

Facts about Mount Athos

  • Name: Officially, the place is called the Autonomous Monastic Republic of Mount Athos.
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  • Location: It is located in northern Greece, in Macedonia. Athos is the highest of the three mountain peaks on the Halkidiki Peninsula.
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  • Capital: The city of Karea with a population of 300.
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  • Parliament: Sacred Cathedral.
  • Population: 1,700 orthodox monks.
  • Unique: The monastery of Karea.
  • Uniqueness: The monasteries are open to monks and all males, but women and most pets are denied access.
  • Attractiveness: The 20 wealthy monasteries have world-famous frescoes and priceless icon collections.
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‘ Streets in the Mountains
‘ Ruins of a monastery
‘ Bells

Need to Know

Visits are only allowed to men, they must register with the Pilgrim Administration to Mount Athos in Thessaloniki, and at least 6 months before the trip. Only ten pilgrims of non-Orthodox faith are allowed on the mountain per day, and only one overnight stay is allowed in each monastery.