Mount Athos

Mount Athos or Agion Oros is the oldest surviving monastic community in the world. Though it is a part of Greece, it is governed by its own local administration. A wild nature with green valley that astonishes anyone who sets eyes on it, this is a world of myth and history of faith and reality.

Legend has it that when Virgin Mary walked ashore, she was so fascinated by the natural beauty around her, that in order to please her Jesus blessed the place and made it into his mother’s garden. Since then, the mountain was out of bound to any other woman.

Nowadays the number of functioning monasteries has dwindled to 20 with a population of approximately 1,700 monks. Surrounded by an incalculable wealth of ecclesiastical treasure, rare icons and libraries stocked with precious manuscripts, they live simply according to a strict regime of prayer and labor untouched by modern frivolities.

For more information on Mount Athos, please visit its official site www.inathos.gr

Since women are not allowed on Mount Athos (due to tradition), and even men need special permission to enter, an easy way to admire and experience Athos, is by taking a day boat cruise along the coast from Eagles Palace.