The only Orthodox monastic republic in the world is nestled here, on the very eastern peninsula of Chalkidiki, surrounded by untouched nature and stunning landscapes.
Peninsula of Athos is the easternmost of the three “fingers” of Chalkidiki. Monastic Republic of Mount Athos, also called "Holy Mountain", is the only Orthodox monastic republic in the world. It occupies the major part of the territory. The highest mountain in the Northern Greece is situated in the southern part of the peninsula. Its height is 2033 m above sea level.
There are twenty large men’s monasteries and a couple of dozens cells and hermitages in Athos, members of which form the Epistassia, a distinctive committee, ruling the state of monks.
The northernmost part of peninsula, up to the boundary of Monastic Republic of Mount Athos is free for all visitors, but to get to Holy Mountain you will need a special visa, so-called "Diamonētērion", which can be given only for men, because the entry for women is closed since 1046 A.D.
Towers and taverns of Celestial City
The last open city for free visiting before the boundary of Athos is Ouranoupoli. Ships with monks and pilgrims, directing to Holy Mountain, sail from here every day.
An age-mate with Thessaloniki, Ouranoupoli was founded in the place of colony, ruined by Phillip II in the end of the IV century B.C. During a thousand years, the city was a coaching inn of Vatopedi, a monastery of Athos. Byzantine tower of Ouranoupoli was built for the safety of chapter-lands in the beginning of the XIV century. Until nowadays, it has been greeting ships, which come to the city.
Refugees from shores of the Sea of Marmara resettled here in the 1920s; it led to population upsurge of the city. Meanwhile, a manufacture of splendid carpets, decorated with the traditional ornamental pattern of Athos, was leapt forward here.
The development of tourism in Halkidiki in the 60-70s of the XX century was also reflected in Ouranoupolis. Many traditional taverns with delicious cuisine were opened, hotels were built and beaches were equipped in the city.
In the summer, the city’s streets are full of many tourists, coming here in small excursion ships, for travelling along of the Western bank of Holy Mountain, where the most significant and picturesque monasteries of Athos are located.
The ancient ruins of Frankish Fortress
Travelling two km to the south of Celestial City (the other name of Ouranoupolis), you can meet the one of the first monasteries of Athos, “Moni Zigu”, or “Frankish Fortress”.
Devoted to saint Elijah, this ancient monastery of Athos, founded at the latest of the 991 year, was destroyed and turned into a fortress by one of the knights of IV Crusade in the 1206 year. The rampaging raids of the Franks were made for the wealthy Svyatogorsk monasteries from here, for several years. Until the special bull of the Pope expelled the "knights" from the monastery near 1211.
The locals have been calling the ruins of the monastery as the “Francocastello” for many years. Today on the territory of the monastery archaeological excavations are being conducted, which gave researchers of the history of Athos monastic many priceless finds.
The modern border of the Athonite monastic state is situated a few steps from the monastery and guarded by the Greek border police. Passage through the border for pilgrims is closed here. The only legal way to get to the Holy Mountain is by sea from the port of Ouranoupolis.
Thistle and the heritage of Darius
A flat strip of land in the north of Ouranopolis is the Chanel of Xerxes, which was dug by Thracian warriors and inhabitants of the ancient city of Akanthos, by the order of the Persian king Xerxes at the beginning of the V century B.C. Shortly before the Persian fleet, Darius suffered a total wreck, trying to get around the cape of the Athos peninsula by sea. Storms and strong currents at the southern tip of Mount Athos broke Persian ships against the coastal rocks. In order to avoid the fate of his predecessor, Xerxes turned the peninsula into an island to navigate his fleet by the channel. Nowadays the channel was turned into a dry land once more, and it is planned to be partially restored, turning the area around the town of Nea Roda into an archaeological park.
To the north of the Xerxes Channel lies the city of Ierissos, one of the oldest cities in the Chalkidiki peninsula. The city, originally called "Akanthos" (it means “thistle” in Greek, which is abundant in the region), received its modern name due to the linguistic transformation of the Roman name "Ericius". Life and basic occupations of local residents are closely connected with the sea. Some of the most significant Greek shipyards were located here. The ferry runs from here to the monasteries of Holy Mountain’s eastern coast. Ierissos is famous for its sandy beaches, traditional taverns with fresh fish and seafood, and a vivid night life.
Peace and quiet of the mellow Ammouliani island
There is a place called Tripiti on the west coast of the Xerxes Channel. Ferries leave from the port of Tripiti several times a day for the island of Ammouliani, the only inhabited island in the immediate vicinity of the coast of the peninsula of Chalkidiki. The population of the island is more than 500 people, according to the last census. The island is a favorite beach for spending holidays for the people of northern Greece. It is famous for its beaches with golden sand and traditional cuisine.
If you want to combine your pilgrimage with a family vacation, it is best to stay in one of the hotels or apartments of the peninsula. It is also possible to make reservations at the Mount Athos Pilgrim's Bureau, issuing Athos visas, "Diamonitirion". Ships from there go directly to the monasteries of the Holy Mountain.
The regular buses run from Thessaloniki in the direction of Mount Athos with Uranoupolis as a station of destination. This is a cheap, but long way to get to Athos. The easiest way is to take the usual taxi. A trip from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupolis costs about 150 Euro. There are companies that organize individual and group transfers from Thessaloniki, which prices and quality of service are favorably different from conventional taxis.
