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How Can I Visit Mount Athos - The Process for Issuing a Residence Permit "Diamonitirio" from the Pilgrims Office

In this article you will find all the necessary steps and the procedure you need to follow to visit the monasteries of Mount Athos for the first time. Contact with the Pilgrims Office First, in order to be allowed to enter Mount Athos, you should contact the Pilgrims Office to issue the necessary Residence Permit, called “Diamonitirion”. The contact number of the Pilgrims' Office in Thessaloniki is +30 2310 252575 (for Greek visitors), +30 2310 252578 (for foreign visitors) and is located at 109 Egnatias Street P.O. 54635, Thessaloniki. Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 14:00 and Saturday: 10:00 - 12:00. The contact phone number of the Pilgrims Office in Ouranoupoli is +30 23770 71421 and it is located a few meters before the port. The information requested by the competent office is the following: full name, patronymic, year of birth, identity card or passport number, date of issue and issuing authority. Your information, the code number, and the exact date you will visit the Garden of Virgin Mary are written in the Residence Permit. In addition, it is important to know in advance the Holy Monasteries you are going to visit, as you will be asked to declare it. Therefore, you should first contact the monastery where you wish to stay. Keep in mind that the number of pilgrims allowed daily on Mount Athos is limited, so you should book your entry permit well in advance. The days of stay are usually set at four (three nights), however, if a visitor wishes to stay longer, he can request an extension from the Holy Monastery that hosts him. The person in charge of the Pilgrims Office will inform you precisely about all the details necessary for your entry to Mount Athos from Ouranoupoli or Ierissos in Chalkidiki. Here you can find the itineraries of the ships from the ports of Ouranoupoli and Ierissos to Mount Athos. How will you receive the Residence Permit “Diamonitirion” During the process of issuing your Residence Permit, it is important to state which port your departure will be from, either Ouranoupoli or Ierissos. The Residence Permit is collected from the Pilgrims' Office in Ouranoupoli, Chalkidiki, on the day of departure, upon presentation of the police ID or passport. The operating hours at the Office in Ouranoupoli are from Monday to Friday 05:30 - 13:00, Saturday from 06:00 - 13:00 and Sunday from 08:00 - 13:00. Visitors who take the ferry from Ierissos and head to the eastern side of Mount Athos, pick up their Residence Permit from the port of Ierissos, from the Pilgrims Office agent there. It would be good for visitors to be at the reception area of the Residence at least 1 hour before their departure. How much does it cost to issue a Residence Permit The cost at the moment for the issuance of the Residence Permit is: €25 for Orthodox Christians. €30 for Heterodox - Non-religious. €10 for special groups of pilgrims (pupils, students, soldiers, disabled). Foreigners, non-Orthodox and Orthodox have the possibility to make a reservation six months in advance, by sending a photocopy of their passport or a request to [email protected].

Mount Athos History

Mount Athos: a unique Unesco World Heritage Site The geographical features of Mount Athos Mount Athos is located in Central Macedonia, Greece, at the third and easternmost part of the prefecture of Halkidiki. The peninsula of Athos has a total area of about 330 sq. km and spreads into the Aegean Sea for at least 50 km. At the same time, the width of the peninsula ranges from 7 to 12 km, while the peak of Mount Athos reaches 2,033 m. and has a distinctive conical shape. The slopes of the peninsula are steep with dense forest that give us the rich gifts of nature, such as honey, wines and olive oil. How "Mount Athos" got its name Mount Athos is already known from Greek mythology. It is said that in the area where the peninsula of Mount Athos is located, a great titanic battle took place between the giants and the gods of Olympus. In this battle, the leader of the giants was Athos, son of Uranus and Gaia. According to mythology, the giant Athos grabbed a huge rock and hurled it with great force against the Olympian gods. In this way, the area of Halkidiki and the homonymous peninsula were created. Historical records of the Athos peninsula are found by Thucydides, Herodotus, but also Strabon, who was a Greek geographer. Based on this information, we know that the peninsula was inhabited by small communities, since pre-Hellenic times, forming small towns. The renaming of the peninsula to "Mount Athos" is located back in the 11th century. The first reference is found in the study of the Byzantine scholar and Archbishop of Ohrid and Bulgaria, Theophylaktos, which is entitled "Martyrdom of the Fifteen Martyrs of Tiberiopolis". From the 12th century, the name of the peninsula is exclusively found as "Mount Athos". In fact, the Emperor Alexios I Komnenos imposed by law that "From now on the name of the peninsula will be called “Mount Athos” for all". All the official public documents that followed, mention the Athos peninsula as "Mount Athos". Find here: Detailed hiking map of Mount Athos Mount Athos Today… Unesco World Heritage Site For about a century, since 1926, Mount Athos has been an autonomous part of Greece. The Athos Peninsula consists of 20 Monasteries, 12 Hermitages (Sketes) and 700 Sacred Huts, where about 1000 monks live an ascetic life. The value and uniqueness of Mount Athos has been recognized worldwide and since 1988 is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the same time, the unique natural landscape of Mount Athos is protected by the European Network NATURA 2000. The official UNESCO website states that Mount Athos is "a huge historical, artistic and cultural heritage preserved by a monastic community for 12 centuries. At the same time, this place maintains a rich flora and fauna, thanks to the careful protection of the forests and the implementation of traditional agricultural practices. Due to the richness of the fauna of the area, the peninsula of Athos is a member of the European Network NATURA 2000". Find here the book: Athos Beauty and Grace Today, believers from all over the world can visit Mount Athos with the issuance of a special permit, the so-called "Residence" («Διαμονητήριο»), which is issued by the Office of the Pilgrims in Thessaloniki or Ouranoupoli in Halkidiki, Greece. The transfer to Mount Athos is feasible only by boat. We at monastiriaka.gr have set as a goal to bring closer to all the faithful the natural products made by the Fathers in the monasteries of Mount Athos! Find here: Original handicrafts from Mount Athos

Bus schedule from Thessaloniki to Mount Athos

Many pilgrims wonder how we can visit Mount Athos. The first step is to reach Ouranoupoli, the last village of Chalkidiki before Mount Athos. You can reach Ouranoupoli either with your private car or with a KTEL bus. Below you will find a summary of KTEL bus schedule to Ouranoupoli, Chalkidiki. For more information visit the official website of KTEL Chalkidiki: https://ktel-chalkidikis.gr/en/index.html Next, you can see the itineraries of the ferries and high-speed boats from Ouranoupoli and Ierissos to Dafni, the port of Mount Athos. MONASTIRIAKA – MOUNT ATHOS is not responsible for any changes to the timetable. The information is provided for public information only. To issue a ticket you should visit the official website of Chalkidiki bus station or contact them by phone.

Useful telephone numbers of Mount Athos - Phone Catalog of Monasteries and Services

Useful telephone numbers from the services and the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos. MONASTERY TELEPHONE Monastery of Megistis Lavra +30 2377022586 & 23754 Monastery of Vatopedi +30 2377088088 Monastery of Iviron +30 2377023643 & 23644 Monastery of Philotheou +30 2377023256 Monastery of Xeropotamou +30 2377023251 Monastery of Esfigmenou +30 2377023796 Monastery of Dochiariou +30 2377023245 Monastery of Karakallos +30 2377023225 Monastery of Agios Pavlos +30 2377023770 & 23741 Monastery of Xenophontos +30 2377023249 & 23633 Monastery of Constantomonitou +30 2377023228 Monastery of St. Panteleimonos +30 2377023252 Monastery of Chilandar +30 2377023297 Monastery of Pantokrator +30 2377023880 Monastery of Simonos Petras +30 2377023254 & 23700 Monastery of Dionysiou +30 2377023687 & 23688 Monastery of Gregoriou +30 2377023218 & 23668 Monastery of Stavronikita +30 2377023255 Monastery of Koutloumousiou +30 2377023226 & 23732 Monastery of Zografou +30 2377023247 SERVICES TELEPHONE “Agioritikes Grammes” boat line of Dafni +30 2377024100 “Agioritikes Grammes” boat line of Ouranoupoli +30 2377071149 Athoniada Ecclesiastical Academy +30 2377023341 Dafni Police Department +30 2377023222 Karyes Police Department +30 2377023212 Pilgrims’ Office of Thessaloniki +30 2310252575 Pilgrims’ Office of Ouranoupoli +30 2377071421 & +30 2377071422 ELTA (post office) Dafni +30 2377023297 ELTA (post office) Karyes +30 2377023214 Holy Epistasia of Mount Athos - Secretariat +30 2377023224 Karyes Health Center – Pharmacy +30 2377023217 & +30 6944959682 Bus station - KTEL Chalkidiki (Thessaloniki Office) +30 2310316555, +30 2310316565 & +30 2310316575 Port Authority of Dafni +30 2377023300 Port Authority of Ierissos +30 2377022576 Port Authority of Ouranoupoli +30 2377071248 Micros Athos ferry routes +30 6947819885 Karyes Hotel +30 2377024114 Administration of Mount Athos +30 2377023290

The celebrations of the Monasteries on Mount Athos - Detailed List

When is the Festival Days of Mount Athos Monasteries A feast day (in Greek panigyris) is a spiritually and religiously significant event, when the annual celebration gathering takes place in each monastic community. All the monasteries of Mount Athos organize festivals on the feast day of their Saint in honor of whom its Katholikon, that is the main church of the monastery, is dedicated. How the feast is organized at the monasteries The invitation to each festival is extended to everyone, either through letters sent by the Monasteries and Sketes or orally by the Cells. Official letters particularly invite the Bishop, members of the Holy Community, representatives of the civil and police authorities, cantors and other deacons of the Church. The feast begins on the eve of the saint's day with the Vespers service and reaches its peak with the All-Night Vigil. Immediately following the Vigil, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, concluding with a communal meal, known as the «Table of Love», in which all attending pilgrims participate. The characteristics of the feasts of Mount Athos The main characteristics of a monastic fair include the resounding and impressive peals, joyful chanting and the raising of the Byzantine and Greek flags. Additional elements include the abundant use of Orthodox frankincense, the decoration of entrances with laurel branches, the offering of meals, heartfelt words of hospitality, and well-wishes. Finally, there are elements as a festive homily, the offering of refreshments, generous blessings, and the sanctification of souls through divine grace. Which are the feast days of Mount Athos Below is a list of the feast days of the monasteries on Mount Athos according to the Julian and Revised Julian Calendars. The first date corresponds to the Julian Calendar, and the second to the Revised Julian Calendar. The celebrations of the Monasteries according to the Old and New Calendar Julian and Revised Julian Calendar Feasts Great Lavra Monastery: celebrates July 5 – July 18 ♰ St. Athanasius the Athonite Vatopedi Monastery: celebrates March 25 – April 7 ♰ The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Iviron Monastery: celebrates August 15 – August 28 ♰ The Dormition of the Theotokos Hilandar Monastery: celebrates November 21 – December 4 ♰ The Presentation of the Virgin Mary to the Temple Dionysiou Monastery: celebrates June 24 – July 7 ♰ Nativity of St. John the Forerunner Koutloumousi Monastery: celebrates August 6 – August 19 ♰ Transfiguration of the Savior Pantokrator Monastery: celebrates August 6 – August 19 ♰ Transfiguration of the Savior Xeropotamou Monastery: celebrates March 9 – March 22 ♰ The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste Zografou Monastery: celebrates April 23 – May 6 ♰ St. George the Trophy-Bearer Dochiariou Monastery: celebrates November 8 – November 21 ♰ Synaxis of the Archangels Karakallou Monastery: celebrates June 29 – July 12 ♰ Apostles Peter and Paul Philotheou Monastery: celebrates March 25 – April 7 ♰ The Annunciation of the Theotokos Simonopetra Monastery: celebrates December 25 – January 7 ♰ The Nativity of Jesus Christ St. Paul’s Monastery: celebrates February 2 – February 15 ♰ The Presentation of Christ in the Temple Stavronikita Monastery: celebrates December 6 – December 19 ♰ St. Nicholas Xenophon Monastery: celebrates April 23 – May 6 ♰ St. George the Trophy-Bearer Gregoriou Monastery: celebrates December 6 – December 19 ♰ St. Nicholas Esfigmenou Monastery: celebrates 39 days after Holy Easter ♰ the Ascension of the Lord St. Panteleimon Monastery: celebrates July 27 – August 9 ♰ St. Panteleimon Kostamonitou Monastery: celebrates December 27 – January 9 ♰ St. Stephen the Protomartyr Detailed list - table with the festivals of the monasteries on Mount Athos Read here: How Can I Visit Mount Athos - The Process for Issuing a Residence Permit "Diamonitirio" from the Pilgrims Office Read here: Mount Athos: a unique Unesco World Heritage Site

Transportation to Holy Mount Athos: Boats & Ferries from Ouranoupoli and Ierissos

Below you will find a summary of the itineraries of the ships to Mount Athos, as well as the contact numbers for booking a seat. All routes are subject to change due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. ITINERARY WITH “MICRO ATHOS” Contact: +30 23770 71400, +30 6947819885 (AGIA ANNA), +30 6995105105 (MIKRA AGIA ANNA), [email protected] Due to the unsuitability of the port of H.M. Megistis Lavras, the routes are temporarily operated up to Kavsokalyvia. SCHEDULE OF THE FERRY "AGIA ANNA" It is not necessary to reserve a seat. SCHEDULE OF THE HIGH-SPEED "MIKRA AGIA ANNA" Attention: reservation is necessary, at least 10 days before the planned visit. You can call daily to book a seat at +30 6995105105 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. More information can be found on the official website of the company “MICRO ATHOS” http://www.microathos.gr/comewus_e.html ITINERARY WITH “AGIORETIKES GRAMMES” Contact: +30 23770 71149 (IERISSOS) and +30 23770 21041 (OURANOUPOLI), [email protected] SCHEDULE FROM OURANOUPOLI SCHEDULE FROM IERISSOS Pilgrims who wish to visit the northern side of the Athonian peninsula and the Holy Monasteries of Chiliandar, Vatopedi, Pantokrator, Stavronikita, Iviron, Filotheou, Karakalou and Morfonos are requested to choose the itineraries with the high-speed boat "E/G-D/R PANAGIA" , to avoid inconvenience but also to move quickly. The speedboat, with a capacity of 130 people, departs daily from Ierissos at 08.35 am. More information can be found on the official website of the company "AGIORETIKES GRAMMES N.E." https://www.agioreitikes-grammes.com/ MONASTIRIAKA – MOUNT ATHOS is not responsible for any changes to the timetable. The information is provided for public information only. To issue a ticket you should visit the official websites of the companies or contact them by phone.

Paths Trails of Mount Athos - Hiking on Athos Peninsula

Athos, the peak of Mount Athos Athos, the impressive summit of the Mount Athos peninsula in Chalkidiki, rises to 2,033 meters. The mountain stretches between the gulfs of Ierissos to the east and of Singitic to the west. The climbing in Mount Athos Although Athos is not among the highest mountains in Greece, ascending to its peak is considered particularly challenging. This is because climbers must traverse the entire elevation from sea level to the summit. Additionally, those chlimbers who are wishing to spend the night at the peak, must be well-prepared with sleeping bags, food, water, and other essentials, as there is no shelter available for accommodation. Despite the challenges, the climb rewards those who undertake it. The landscape is characterized by lush vegetation, including chestnut and oak trees and numerous small springs, composing a mesmerizing setting. Read the article about the Summit of Mount Athos. Hiking on the Mount Athos peninsula Hiking on the Athos peninsula offers a unique experience, especially for nature and trekking enthusiasts. It combines the tranquility of the natural environment with the spiritual uplift and well-being provided by the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Athos. The absolute silence, coupled with the awe-inspiring monasteries, sketes, and hermit cells encountered along the way, creates a unique atmosphere. As described in the book Athos – Beauty and Grace: «Beauty and grace are to be found all over Greece, especially on the Athonite peninsula, the Holy Mountain, also known as “Garden of the Most Holy Virgin”, where on every single rock and cave, cobblestone path and passage, peak and valley, shore and torrent, spiritual wayfarers have for centuries now left their holy traces praying, supplicating and glorifying the World of God, who devises all things. » Find the book here: Athos – Beauty and Grace Hiking Trails to the 20 Monasteries of Mount Athos Below is a list of hiking routes and paths leading to the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, along with their respective distance and estimated completion time. All starting points are from Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. From Karyes to Great Lavra Monastery: distance 35 km duration about 7:00 hours From Karyes to Vatopedi Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Iviron Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours From Karyes to Hilandar Monastery: distance 30 km duration about 6:00 hours From Karyes to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours From Karyes to Koutloumousiou Monastery: distance 1 km duration about 10 minutes From Karyes to Pantokrator Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours From Karyes to Xeropotamou Monastery: distance 10 km duration about 2:00 hours From Karyes to Zographou Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Dochiariou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Karakallou Monastery: distance 17 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Philotheou Monastery: distance 12 km duration about 2:30 hours From Karyes to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours From Karyes to Stavronikita Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:00 hour From Karyes to Xenophontos Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours From Karyes to Esphigmenou Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours From Karyes to St. Panteleimon Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Konstamonitou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours Intermediate hiking trails on Mount Athos Additional, you can see the intermediate routes and distances in the Garden of the Virgin Mary, calculated in km and duration from Karyes to the Vigla region of Mount Athos. Karyes to Dafni (Central Port): distance 12 km duration about 3:30 hours Dafni to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 2:00 hours Simonopetra Monastery to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes Gregoriou Monastery to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:15 hours Dionysiou Monastery to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 3 km duration about 45 minutes St. Paul’s Monastery to New Skete Nativity of the Theotokos: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes New Skete to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes Skete of St. Anne to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes Skete of St. Anne to Kerasia: distance 5 km duration about 2:30 hours Kerasia to Panagia (Path to the Summit): distance 3.2 km duration about 3:00 hours Panagia to Athos Summit: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:20 hours Kerasia to Kavsokalyvia: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:30 hours To ensure a successful journey through these trails, the use of a detailed and up-to-date map is essential, especially in areas where mobile network coverage is limited or unavailable. Map is an invaluable tool for effective navigation and proper planning of the route. Below are some examples of maps that are fully updated and particularly practical for use. Map of Mount Athos Detailed hiking map of Mount Athos, which includes information about distances, routes, useful contacts and emergency contacts. Also, it includes estimated travel times for each route, based on the traditional Athonite walking pace. Find here: Map of Mount Athos Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed Waterproof hiking map that includes the routes of Mount Athos and is compatible with GPS devices. It is made from durable material that makes it strong and suitable for demanding/challenging conditions/cases of use. Find here: Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed - available in English, Russian, Greek Trekking Map of Mount Athos Trekking map of Mount Athos, crafted from waterproof and highly durable material, designed to withstand harsh conditions without easily wearing out. It is compatible with GPS devices and provides invaluable information about the trails and monasteries of Mount Athos. Find here: Trekking Map of Mount Athos The hiking and climbing experiences on Mount Athos are unique experiences because they combine the natural beauty of enchanting landscapes and a profound connection to Greece's rich culture and tradition. It is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor. Read our blog about Useful information for hiking on Mount Athos.

Important Facts about Mount Athos - FAQ for Agion Oros - Questions and Answers

1. What country is Mount Athos in? Mount Athos or Agion Oros is located in Greece, specifically on the third peninsula of Halkidiki. 2. Where is Mount Athos? Where is Mount Athos monastery? Mount Athos monastic republic is located in Central Macedonia, Greece, at the third and easternmost part of the prefecture of Halkidiki. 3. How tall is Mount Athos? Mount Athos is located on the Athos Peninsula in Greece and has an elevation of 2,033 meters. 4. When was Mount Athos built? When was Mount Athos founded? How old is Mount Athos? The history of Mount Athos dates back to the 12th century. Notably, the first chapel at the summit of Mount Athos was founded in 965 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite. You can read more information about the history of Mount Athos and how it was founded in the article Mount Athos History. 5. How to visit Mount Athos? How to enter Mount Athos? To enter Mount Athos, the following procedure is required: 1.Contact the Pilgrims' Office 2.Reserve and issue a Residence Permit called “Diamonitirio” through the Pilgrims' Office 3.Collect the Diamonitirio on the day of your departure For detailed information and step by step guide on how to enter Mount Athos read the article How Can I Visit Mount Athos - The Process for Issuing a Residence Permit "Diamonitirio" from the Pilgrims Office 6. How to contact the Pilgrims' Office? There are two Pilgrims' Offices - one is located in Thessaloniki and the other in Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki. Contact Information of Pligrims’ Office in Thessaloniki: Phone: +30 2310 252575 (for Greek citizens), +30 2310 252578 (for foreign visitors). Address: 109 Egnatia Street, Postal Code 54635, Thessaloniki. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 14:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 12:00. Contact Information of Pligrims’ in Ouranoupoli: Phone: +30 23770 71421 Address: A few meters before the port. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 05:30 - 13:00, Saturday from 06:00 - 13:00 and Sunday from 08:00 - 13:00 Here you can find a catalog with the useful telephone numbers of Mount Athos - monasteries and services. 7. How to collect the Diamonitirio? From Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki: At the local office upon presentation of your ID or passport. From Ierissos, Halkidiki: For those departing from there to the eastern side of Mount Athos, via the local travel agent. 8. How much is the cost to enter Mount Athos? 25€ for Orthodox Christians 30€ for non-Orthodox visitors 10€ for specific groups (students, soldiers, people with disabilities) 9. Where to stay in Mount Athos? During your visit to Mount Athos, your accommodation will vary depending on the itinerary you choose to follow: 1. If you choose to ascent the summit of Mount Athos (Agion Oros), it is recommended that you spend the night at:-The Stavros location: small shelters accommodating 3–4 people- The Panagia Refuge, located at a higher altitude 2. If you wish to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Mount Athos and witness the monastic way of life up close, it is appropriate to stay at one of the twenty Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, depending on the availability. 10. Why is Mount Athos a holy place? Why is Mount Athos so important? What is Mount Athos known for? Mount Athos is an important place and is known for religious, historical, cultural, spiritual and natural reasons: 1. Religious reasons: Mount Athos is the largest and oldest center of Orthodox monasticism in the world. 2. Historical reasons: Mount Athos holds immense historical wealth, including priceless manuscripts, icons, relics, and monuments of Byzantine heritage. 3. Cultural reasons: Mount Athos has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988. 4. Spiritual reasons: The Holy Mount Athos is a place of prayer, tranquility, and ascetic life. 5. Enviromental reasons: The Athonite peninsula consists of a rich natural environment with arable land and dense forests that give us the gifts of nature, like honey, wine and olive oil of excellent quality. 11. What to do in Mount Athos? There are several things you can do on Mount Athos: 1. Visit and stay at the monasteries of Mount Athos and experience the everyday ascetic life of the monks. 2. Hike along the traditional mountain trails. 3. Climb to the summit of Mount Athos. 4. Experience prayer and tranquility, away from worldly life. 5. Before you enter Mount Athos, you can explore Ouranoupoli and the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki. Read the article: Useful information for hiking on Mount Athos 12. Can you climb Mount Athos? Yes, it is possible to reach the summit of Mount Athos, which dominates the Athos Peninsula in the region of Halkidiki and rises to an altitude of 2,033 meters. Climbing to the top is a truly unique experience. However, it is a particularly demanding route that requires experience, careful planning, appropriate equipment and the use of up-to-date maps. For detailed information about the hiking on Mount Athos read the article: Climbing on the Summit of Mount Athos - Useful Information 13. What will you need for the climb of Mount Athos? For the ascent to the summit of Mount Athos, you will need experience, good equipment, weather forecasting and a navigation map in printed form due to the lack of signal. Find here: Detailed Hiking Map of Mount Athos Read also: Paths Trails of Mount Athos - Hiking on Athos Peninsula 14. Can you visit Mount Athos? Can Catholics visit Mount Athos? Many people wonder if Catholics or men of other religions can visit Mount Athos. It is important to note that the Garden of Virgin Mary can be visited by all male: - Orthodox Christians - non-Orthodox Christians - followers of other religions (such as Catholics) - special groups of pilgrims, including students, university students, soldiers, people with disabilities - fathers of large families 15. Can women visit Mount Athos? Why is Mount Athos male only? According to the rule of cella, entry to Mount Athos is strictly permitted only to men. This prohibition has been in place for over a thousand years and is linked to the appearance of the Holy Virgin Mary on Mount Athos. Read the article: Miraculous Icon: Virgin Mary of Mount Athos 16. How is Mount Athos diet? What food monks eat on Mount Athos? The cuisine of Mount Athos is highly simple but delicious, and based on recipes beneficial to health. The Athonite diet relies primarily on vegetables, legumes, and the bounty of the sea that surrounds Mount Athos, while excluding meat throughout the entire year. Read also: Monastic Recipes 17. Mount Athos recipes Monastic recipes include: Vegetables, such as stuffed zucchini flowers, fried potato croquettes, etc. Legumes, like baked chickpeas, mount athos lentils with rice, etc. Fish, for example fresh cod, baked sea bass, etc. Mollusks and shellfish, such as crabs with tomato sauce and cuttlefish baked in oven (Plaki). 18. When does Mount Athos celebrate Christmas? Christmas on Mount Athos, in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on Mount Sinai, and in other Orthodox Churches is celebrated according to the old calendar, that is, on January 7.