Discovering the
Monasteries
BEFORE YOU MAKE PLANS
If you are considering a visit, take careful note of the following facts. Strictly, only men are permitted to visit Mount Athos (there are no exceptions to this rule). The number of visitors permitted on the Holy Mountain at any time is tightly restricted and all visitors are, by definition, pilgrims. Whatever your reason for visiting them, the monks will welcome you as a pilgrim.
HISTORY OF THE MONASTERIES
Mount Athos is one of the most important centres of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries and approximately 2,000 monks. Located on the Chalkidiki peninsula in Greece, it is home to the oldest surviving monastic community on Earth. The way of life for the monks is practically unchanged since the first monks arrived in the eighth century. Most of the monks live within the walls of their chosen monastery, but others choose to live in complete isolation, away from any distractions.
The chroniclers Theophanes the Confessor (end of 8th century) and Georgios Kedrenos (11th century) wrote that the 726 eruption of the Thera volcano was visible from Mount Athos, indicating that it was inhabited at the time. The historian Genesios recorded that monks from Athos participated at the seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicaea of 787.
Staying at the
MONASTERIES
The Pilgrim’s bureau will only arrange your entry to Mount Athos not hospitality / accommodation at the monasteries.
Accommodation during your visit must be arranged directly with the monasteries at which you intend to stay. Complete the form below and send it to the monastery at which you wish to stay.
Simonos Petra monastery, Mt. Athos
monastery Xenofon
Dionysiou Monastery
Osiou Gregoriou monastery
15 hilandar church
Iviron Monastery
Saint Panteleimon Monastery-close
Simonos Petra monastery, Mt. Athos
monastery Xenofon
Dionysiou Monastery
Osiou Gregoriou monastery
15 hilandar church
Iviron Monastery
Saint Panteleimon Monastery-close