Page 467 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

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Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau in
Thessaloníki (Egnatías 109,
www.agioritikiestia.gr) up to six
months in advance; the final
permit is collected in person in
Ouranópoli, and grants a stay of
up to four nights. Accom-
modations are free, though
donations are expected.

q Mount Olympos
17 km (10 miles) W of Litóchoro.
@ Litóchoro. n EOS: Evángelou
Karavákou 20, Litóchoro (23520-
The Russian Orthodox monastery Agíou Panteleímonos, on Mount Athos 83000). ∑ olympusfd.gr
413 to 399 BC. It is here that provide a fascinating insight The name Mount Olympos
Alexander the Great was born in into Orthodox monastic life. refers to a whole range of
356 BC, and was later tutored by For the monks who live here, mountains, 20 km (12 miles)
the philosopher Aristotle. Some the day begins at 3 or 4am with across. The highest peak in the
sense of the existence of a city morning services and prayers. range is Mytikas, at 2,917 m
can be gained from a plan of They eat two meals a day. There (9,570 ft). The entire area
the site, which shows where the are 159 fasting days in the year. constitutes the Olympos
main street and stores were Between meals, the monks National Park, an area of out-
located. The palace, believed to spend their time working, standing natural beauty that
have been north of the main resting, and praying. attracts naturalists and walkers
site, is still being excavated. Ouranoúpoli is the main town alike. The park’s rich flora and
At the site, and in the of secular Athos and where boat fauna include 1,700 plant
museum, are some of the best- trips for the peninsula’s west coast species, in addition to chamois,
preserved pebble mosaics in start. Among the monasteries boars, and roe deer. From
Greece. Dating from about that can be viewed are the Litóchoro, which has several
300 BC, the mosaics depict vivid 10th-century Docheiaríou, Agíou hotels and tavernas, walkers
hunting scenes. One of the most Panteleímonos, an 11th-century can follow a series of trails.
famous is of Dionysos riding a Russian Orthodox monastery, and A short distance from
panther; it is housed in the now- Agíou Pávlou. On the east Litóchoro is Ancient Dion,
covered, 4th-century BC House coast, Megístis Lávras was the considered a holy city by the
of the Lion Hunt. Originally first monastery to be founded ancient Macedonians. The flat
comprising 12 rooms around on Athos, while 10th-century plains were used as a military
three open courtyards, this Vatopedíou, farther north, is camp by King Philip II of
building was constructed at one of the largest and best- Macedon in the 4th century BC.
the end of the 4th century BC. preserved buildings. Adult The ruins visible today – which
males wishing to visit any of the include mosaics, baths, and a
monasteries must obtain a theater – date mainly from the
0 Mount Athos written entrance permit from Roman era. A museum shows
Athos Peninsula. g Dáfni (boat the Holy Executive of the Mount finds from the site.
trips from Ouranoúpoli & Sithonía
peninsula for the west coast, or from
Ierissós for the east coast). @ to
Karyés. & donation.
Also known as the Holy
Mountain, Mount Athos is the
highest point on the Athos
Peninsula – an autonomous
republic, ruled by the 1,700
monks who live in its 20
monasteries. Only adult males
may visit the peninsula, but
it is possible to see many
of the monasteries from a boat
trip along the coast. They
include some fine examples
of Byzantine architecture and The peaks of the Mount Olympos range rising above Litóchoro

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