Mount Athos

Οnce here, time is no longer important! In the east leg of Chalkidiki peninsula, the so-called “Garden of the Virgin Mary”, heaven meets its counterpart in the wonderful pristine nature. For centuries, monks have led a monastic life in the twenty big monasteries, the retreats and the hermitages on the mountain. Rising from the waters of the north Aegean sea, the towering mount Athos (elevation: 2,033 m.) is indeed awe-inspiring. Visitors get a glimpse of a different way of life on mount Athos.Τhe imposing historic monasteries, the impressive cells built in caves or perched on the tips of rocks, the fortresses, cupolas and campaniles have been standing on the edge of the mountains for over a thousand years... Visitors feel uplifted as daily hymns reach the skies and create an atmosphere of awe and reverence! Τhe rhythm of life is different here, in this so-called “ark of orthodoxy”; the prevailing philosophy and way of thinking, the natural surroundings, the daily practices, the use of the Julian (old style) calendar, the time allocation (following observance of the Βyzantine rite), the type of language used, the food, the manner of addressing people; Εven... animals appear to follow this special rhythm of life! through the mountain paths, the visitor can explore the beautiful, wild nature! He is certain to be fascinated by it!