Mount Athos

Holy Mount Athos is the center of spiritual life not only of Greece, but of the whole world. Every year millions of pilgrims come to this place. Included in the list of UNESCO sites. According to legend, it is the abode of the Mother of God. During the voyage to Cyprus, the ship was carrying the Virgin Mary. Was nailed to this place. The Virgin was amazed by the beauty of the peninsula, so she chose it for her own inheritance, receiving God’s blessing for this. The Sacred Kinot is administered here. Mount Athos is a complex of twenty Orthodox monasteries, on the territory of which about 1,800 men live. The Julian calendar is still used here. In terms of geography, Mount Athos is located on the eastern outskirts of the city of Halkidiki, has a classical shape, rising above sea level by 2033 meters. At the foot of the mountain is the town of Uranopolis, from where the arrived Orthodox begin their pilgrimage. The only place dedicated entirely to the service of God. Prayers are constantly heard here, liturgies are held, so the mountain is called Holy. The slopes of the mountain are covered with ancient trees, giving this place even more unique beauty.

To visit the monasteries of the Holy Mount Athos, a written permit of diamonitirion is required. They only give it to men. You can get from the city of Thessaloniki by bus to Uranopolis, from where the pilgrims route begins. Also in a rented car from Hilkidiki.