Simonopetra

Perched on the rocky cliffs of Mount Athos in Greece, the Simonopetra Monastery is a breathtaking example of Byzantine architecture and spiritual devotion. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon the Athonite, this Eastern Orthodox monastery is one of twenty that compose the monastic community of Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Simonopetra, also known as Simonos Petra, stands towering above the Aegean Sea, its formidable stone structures seemingly defying gravity. The monastery is renowned for its remarkable construction, which clings to the precipitous rock face at an altitude of over 300 meters. The main church, or Katholikon, is adorned with exquisite frescoes and icons that date back to the 18th century, embodying the rich heritage and artistic tradition of Orthodox Christianity.

As an active monastic community, Simonopetra is home to a brotherhood of monks who live a life of prayer, contemplation, and asceticism. Visitors to the monastery can experience the tranquil atmosphere and attend the divine services, which are conducted in the Byzantine chant, contributing to the site's spiritual ambiance.

Access to the monastery and the larger Mount Athos region is restricted, with entrance permits required for all visitors, and admittance is exclusively granted to male pilgrims. This policy upholds the monastic community's ancient tradition of avaton, or prohibition, which has been in place for over a thousand years.