Simonopetra Monastery

Simonopetra Monastery is an active monastery built in 1257. Located on a rock at an altitude of 330 meters above sea level in the city of Halkidiki. Founded by Saint Simon, hence the name.

The place was chosen not by chance, Simon was a bright star several times here, which served as a sign for the monastery to be built here. Thanks to his prayers, the daughter of the Serbian king John was healed, and he ordered the reconstruction and improvement of the monastery.

Another legend says that the Blessed Virgin visited the Monastery when the monks ran out of oil. In the morning, all the vessels were full. The monastery was destroyed several times, but each time it was restored. The monastery cathedral dates back to 1600. There are four temples on the territory. The monastery contains the relics of saints, a piece of the True Cross, a particle of the right hand of Mary Magdalene. But many frescoes and books have not survived. Here you can see old icons, clothes, silverware, engravings. The temple was built in honor of the Nativity of Christ, so the feast is here on December 25. The monastery is active, 50 monks live here.

You can get to the foot of the mountain by bus or car and then climb up.