Xenophon Monastery

The Greek monastery of Xenophon is one of the holy places located on Mount Athos. It owes its name to Saint Xenophon, who supposedly built the first temple on this site. The official mention of the sanctuary in historical sources is found in 1083. Before the Ottoman conquest, it was a prosperous church. After the raids of the Turks more than once destroyed, restored, rebuilt. A new cathedral dedicated to the Great Martyr George was erected in the early nineteenth century. In the center of the temple is a marble iconostasis. Pilgrims also come to worship two miraculous icons – the Mother of God and St. George. The temple retains the relics of several saints, including John Chrysostom, part of the life-giving cross. In the monastery library preserved ancient manuscripts and books. On the walls of the temple you can see frescoes of the early Christian period. The monastery is surrounded by fortress walls. Thirty monks now live in the monastery. April 23 marks the day of the Great Martyr George the Victorious. Only men are allowed in.

Athos is located in the city of Uranopolis, which can be reached by bus or taxi from Thessaloniki. Up to the monastery will have to climb on foot.