Mount Athos Monasteries & Sketes

Discover Their Spiritual Treasures

Mount Athos, the spiritual heart of Orthodox Christianity, is home to a sacred monastic community with a history spanning over a millennium. The monastic republic is strictly organized into twenty Sovereign Holy Monasteries, followed by numerous secondary monastic settlements known as Sketes. Below, you will find a comprehensive directory with the official hierarchical order, contact numbers, and email addresses of the 20 Holy Monasteries and the Holy Sketes to assist you in planning your pilgrimage from the gateway of Ouranoupoli.

If you are looking for the “best” monastery on Mount Athos, or simply wondering which one to visit first, the truth is there is no single answer — each one has its own spiritual character, history and treasures. Some are renowned for miraculous icons, others for their architecture, manuscripts or dramatic clifftop settings. Browse the list below to discover what makes each monastery unique and decide which ones you would most like to visit during your pilgrimage.

The 20 Sovereign Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos

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Holy Monasteries:
Holy Sketes:
Courtyard of Great Lavra Monastery in Mount Athos, featuring a Byzantine church with a red and lead dome, and a medieval fortified stone tower against a mountain background.

Great Lavra Monastery

Hierarchy: 1st in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23754, +30 23770 23761 | E-mail: filoxenia@megistilavra.gr, iera.moni.megistis.layras@gmail.com

Founded in 963 AD by Saint Athanasios the Athonite, Great Lavra is the oldest and highest-ranking monastery on Mount Athos. It is renowned for its rich collection of Byzantine manuscripts, sacred relics, and exceptional frescoes, making it one of the most important spiritual and historical centers of Orthodox monasticism.

Celebrates on 18 July (5 July according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint Athanasios the Athonite.

Vatopedi Monastery

Hierarchy: 2nd in rank | Tel: +30 23778 88088 | E-mail: filoxenia@vatopedi.gr, monastery@vatopedi.gr

Founded around 972 AD, Vatopedi Monastery is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries on Mount Athos. It is renowned for its priceless relics, miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, extensive library, and centuries-old spiritual tradition.AD, this historic monastery is renowned for its vast spiritual heritage. It houses seven miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Belt (Agia Zoni).

Celebrates on 7 April (25 March according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Annunciation of the Theotokos.

The Phiale of Holy Water at the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Mount Athos.
Panoramic view of the historic Iviron Monastery with traditional colorful balconies built on a green hillside of Mount Athos Greece

Iviron Monastery

Hierarchy: 3rd in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23643, +30 23770 23644 | E-mail: ivironfiloxenia@gmail.com, imiviron@gmail.com

Founded around 970 AD by Georgian monks, Iviron Monastery became the spiritual center of Georgian monasticism on Mount Athos. It is renowned for the miraculous icon of Panagia Portaitissa, as well as its rich collection of manuscripts, sacred relics, and Byzantine treasures.

Celebrates on 28 August (15 August according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Dormition of the Theotokos

Hilandar Monastery (Serbian)

Hierarchy: 4th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23797 | E-mail: pilgrims@hilandar.org

Founded in 1198 AD by Saint Sava and Saint Symeon, Hilandar Monastery is the spiritual heart of the Serbian Orthodox tradition on Mount Athos. It is renowned for its medieval architecture, priceless manuscripts, and exceptional collection of Byzantine icons.

Celebrates on 4 December (21 November according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple.

Hilandar Monastery surrounded by green landscape at Mount Athos, Greece.
High-angle view of Mount Athos Dionysiou Monastery built on a steep cliff by the sea.

Dionysiou Monastery

Hierarchy: 5th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23687 | E-mail: monidionisiou@gmail.com, grafiotaxis@yahoo.com, agiosnifon@gmail.com

Founded in the 14th century by Saint Dionysios, Dionysiou Monastery rises dramatically on an 80-meter cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture, magnificent Cretan School frescoes, and valuable ecclesiastical treasures.


Celebrates on 7 July (24 June according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Nativity of Saint John the Forerunner.

Koutloumousiou Monastery

Hierarchy: 6th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23226, +30 23770 23732 | E-mail: imk.athos@gmail.com

Dating back to the 12th century, Koutloumousiou Monastery is located near Karyes, the administrative center of Mount Athos. It is renowned for the miraculous icon of Panagia Fovera Prostasia and its rich collection of manuscripts and rare printed books.

Celebrates on 19 August (6 August according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Transfiguration of the Savior.

Courtyard view of the historic red brick church and surrounding buildings at Koutloumousiou Monastery, Mount Athos.
Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Pantokratoros Monastery

Hierarchy: 7th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23253, +30 23770 23880 | E-mail: filoxenia@pantokrator.gr, pantokvisit@gmail.com

Founded in the 14th century, Pantokratoros Monastery overlooks the northeastern coast of Mount Athos. It is renowned for the miraculous icon of the Virgin Gerontissa, its rich collection of sacred relics, and its beautiful Byzantine architecture.

Celebrates on 19 August (6 August according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Transfiguration of the Savior.

Xiropotamou Monastery

Hierarchy: 8th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23251 | E-mail: xeropotamou@yahoo.gr

Dating back to the 10th century, Xiropotamou Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries on Mount Athos. It is especially renowned for preserving the largest known relic of the True Cross, together with a remarkable collection of manuscripts and ecclesiastical treasures.

Celebrates on 22 March (9 March according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.

The historic stone buildings of Xiropotamos Monastery surrounded by lush green hills on Mount Athos.
Zografou Monastery building complex, Mount Athos, Greece.

Zografou Monastery (Bulgarian)

Hierarchy: 9th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23247 | E-mail: zografergo@gmail.com, zograf.logos@gmail.com

Founded in the 10th century, Zografou Monastery is the spiritual center of the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition on Mount Athos. It is renowned for its miraculous icon of Saint George, its rich manuscript collection, and its enduring monastic heritage.

Celebrates on 6 May (23 April according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint George the Trophy-bearer.

Dochiariou Monastery

Hierarchy: 10th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23245 | E-mail: dohiarmon@gmail.com

Dating back to the late 10th century, Dochiariou Monastery is renowned for the miraculous icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, one of the most venerated icons on Mount Athos. It also preserves remarkable frescoes and a rich collection of sacred relics.

Celebrates on 21 November (8 November according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Synaxis of the Holy Bodiless Powers (Archangels).

Dochiariou Monastery central church overview with sea view.
The defensive tower of Karakallou Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece.

Karakallou Monastery

Hierarchy: 11th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23225 | E-mail: karakallou@yahoo.gr

Founded in the 11th century, Karakallou Monastery is one of the historic monasteries of Mount Athos. It is renowned for its impressive fortified tower and is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, reflecting centuries of Athonite monastic tradition.

Celebrates on 12 July (29 June according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Apostles Peter and Paul.

Philotheou Monastery

Hierarchy: 12th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23256 | E-mail: philotheou.filoxenia@gmail.com

Founded in the late 10th century by Saint Philotheos, Philotheou Monastery is one of the major spiritual centers of Mount Athos. It is renowned for the miraculous icon of Panagia Glykofilousa and its long-standing ascetic tradition.


Celebrates on 7 April (25 March according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Annunciation of the Theotokos.

The inner courtyard of Filotheou Monastery on Mount Athos, featuring the central church, a green lawn, and a stone archway in the foreground.
Panoramic view of Simonos Petra Monastery perched dramatically on a high rocky cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea under a clear sky in Mount Athos.

Simonopetra Monastery

Hierarchy: 13th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23254, +30 23770 23700 | E-mail: hospitality@simonopetra.gr

Founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon the Myrrh-Gusher, Simonopetra Monastery stands dramatically atop a steep cliff about 230 meters above the Aegean Sea. It is renowned for its unique architecture, flourishing monastic community, and distinguished tradition of Byzantine chant.


Celebrates on 7 January (25 December according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Nativity of Christ (Christmas).

Saint Paul's Monastery

Hierarchy: 14th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23741, +30 23770 23770 | E-mail: moni@agiou-pavlou.gr, evdokimos@me.com, visit@agiou-pavlou.gr

Founded in the late 10th century by Saint Paul of Xeropotamou, Saint Paul's Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on Mount Athos. It is renowned for preserving the Holy Gifts of the Magi, among its many sacred relics and treasures.

Celebrates on 15 February (2 February according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

The white marble main church of Saint Paul Monastery on Mount Athos with distinct red domes, wooden framed windows, and a stone defensive wall in the background under a blue sky.
Scenic view of the historic Stavronikita Monastery with its stone tower, surrounded by cultivated green gardens, an olive tree in the foreground, and the blue sea under a sunny sky in Mount Athos.

Stavronikita Monastery

Hierarchy: 15th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23255 | E-mail: stavronikitapilgrims@gmail.com

The smallest of the twenty sovereign monasteries, Stavronikita Monastery was rebuilt and organized in its present form during the 16th century. It is renowned for its fortified architecture and the miraculous icon of Saint Nicholas "Streidas."

Celebrates on 19 December (6 December according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint Nicholas.

Xenophontos Monastery

Hierarchy: 16th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23249, +30 23770 23633 | E-mail: arhontariki@imxenophontos.gr, inxenofa@gmail.com

Founded in the late 10th century by Saint Xenophon, Xenophontos Monastery stands near the seashore on the southwestern coast of Mount Athos. It is renowned for its two katholika and the miraculous icons of Saint George and Panagia Hodegetria.

Celebrates on 6 May (23 April according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint George the Trophy-bearer.

View of Xenophontos Monastery in Mount Athos featuring red domes and traditional stone roofs.
The Holy Monastery of Moni Grigoriou built on a rocky cliff by the sea at Mount Athos.

Gregoriou Monastery

Hierarchy: 17th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23218, +30 23770 23668 | E-mail: filoxenia@imog.gr

Built on steep cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, Gregoriou Monastery was founded in the 14th century by Saint Gregory. It is renowned for its strict cenobitic tradition, rich spiritual heritage, and remarkable seaside setting.

Celebrates on 19 December (6 December according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint Nicholas.

Esphigmenou Monastery

Hierarchy: 18th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23229, +30 23770 23938 | E-mail: info@esphigmenou.gr

Located on the northern coast of Mount Athos, Esphigmenou Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of the Athonite State, with a history dating back to the 10th century. It is renowned for its fortified architecture, imposing central tower, and centuries-old monastic tradition.

Celebrates on 39 days after Holy Pascha ✝ Ascension of the Lord.

Esphigmenou Monastery Mount Athos Greece: Courtyard view of the Orthodox Esphigmenou Monastery church with traditional Byzantine architecture, domes, and stone walls under a blue sky.
Aerial view of the St. Panteleimon Monastery with its distinctive green domes and large stone buildings on the coast of Mount Athos.

Saint Panteleimon Monastery (Russian)

Hierarchy: 19th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23252, +30 23770 23682 | E-mail: rpm.palomnik@gmail.com

Known as the Russian Monastery because of its long-standing ties to Russian monasticism, Saint Panteleimon Monastery is renowned for its imposing multi-storey buildings, distinctive domes, and unique architecture resembling a small seaside town. It is also home to one of the largest bells in the Balkans.

Celebrates on 9 August (27 July according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint Panteleimon.

Konstamonitou Monastery

Hierarchy: 20th in rank | Tel: +30 23770 23228 | E-mail: imkonstamonitou@gmail.com

Nestled in a peaceful forested area about two kilometers from the sea, Konstamonitou Monastery has a history dating back to the 11th century. Dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, it is renowned for its traditional monastic character and faithful preservation of the Athonite spiritual tradition.

Celebrates on 9 January (27 December according to the Julian calendar) ✝ Saint Stephen the Protomartyr.

Wide-angle shot of the inner courtyard and the red-domed Catholicon church of the Konstamonitou Monastery in Mount Athos, Greece, under a cloudy sky.
Hiking Trails of Mount Athos

Holy Sketes

Nea Skiti monastic community built on the cliffs of Mount Athos overlooking the sea.

New Skete

Belonging to Agiou Pavlou Monastery. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Tel: +30 23770 23351, +30 23770 23629, +30 23770 23259
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E-mail: iera.nea.skiti@gmail.com

The traditional Eastern Orthodox Skete of Saint Anne nestled on the steep cliffs of Mount Athos under a cloudy sky.

Skete of Saint Anne

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. Dedicated to Saint Anne, Mother of the Virgin Mary.

Tel: +30 23770 23320
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E-mail: agia.anna.ao@gmail.com

Kafsokalyvia Skete Mount Athos, traditional bell tower and cells built on a steep slope.

Skete of Kafsokalyvia

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

Tel: +30 23770 23319

Skete of Saint Demetrios, Vatopedi, Mount Athos surrounded by lush green trees.

Skete of Saint Demetrios / Vatopedini

Belonging to Vatopedi Monastery. Dedicated to Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr.

Tel: +30 23770 23303

Domes of the Saint Andrew Skete in Mount Athos

Skete of Saint Andrew / Serai

Belonging to Vatopedi Monastery. Dedicated to Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle.

Tel: +30 23770 23810 
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 E-mail: seraiskiti@gmail.com

The Greek Skete of Timiou Prodromou, a dependency of Iviron Monastery, on a lush green hill in Mount Athos.

Skete of Saint John the Baptist (Iviritiki)

Belonging to Iviron Monastery. Dedicated to the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Tel: +30 23770 23296, +30 23770 23643  
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E-mail: ivironfiloxenia@gmail.com

Panoramic view of the large Prodromos Romanian Skete with its distinct silver domes, surrounded by greenery near the sea in Mount Athos, Greece.

Skete of Saint John the Baptist (Romanian / Prodromos)

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. Dedicated to the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

Tel: +30 23770 23294
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E-mail: contact@prodromu-athos.ro

The historic Eastern Orthodox Skete of Prophet Elijah with its grand central church on Mount Athos.

Skete of Prophet Elias

 

Belonging to Pantokratoros Monastery. Dedicated to Prophet Elias the Tishbite.

Tel: +30 23770 23304
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E-Mail: i.m.p.prophetelias@gmail.com

The central stone church and bell tower of Lakkoskiti, a Romanian Orthodox community on Mount Athos.

Skete of Saint Demetrios / Lakkoskiti


Belonging to Agiou Pavlou Monastery. Dedicated to Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr.

Tel: +30 23770 23636, +30 23770 23629

Monastic settlement Skete of the Annunciation Xenophontos near Ouranoupoli Mount Athos.

Skete of the Annunciation of the Theotokos

Belonging to Xenophontos Monastery. Dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

Tel: +30 23770 23633
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E-mail: arhontariki@imxenophontos.gr

The historic Bogoroditsa Skete, also known as Xylourgou, with its distinctive green dome on Mount Athos.

Skete of Bogoroditsa



Belonging to Agiou Panteleimonos Monastery. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Tel: +30 23770 23682, +30 23770 23252
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E-mail: rpm.filoxenia@gmail.com, rpm.palomnik@gmail.com

Monastic cells and houses at the Greek Orthodox Skete of Saint Panteleimon near Karyes on Mount Athos.

Skete of Saint Panteleimon


Belonging to Koutloumousiou Monastery. Dedicated to Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer.

Tel: +30 23770 23259, +30 23770 23226
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E-mail: imk.athos@gmail.com

The isolated hermitages of Karoulia built dangerously on the vertical cliffs of Mount Athos.

Holy Hermitages of Karoulia

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. The main church is dedicated to the George of Mt. Athos / Archangels.

Tel: +30 23770 23754, +30 23770 23342

The ascetic cells and hermitages of Katounakia built on the steep rocky cliffs of Mount Athos.

Skete of Katounakia / Daniilei

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. The central church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos.

Tel: +30 23770 23316

Panoramic view of the Holy Skete of Saint Anne built on a steep cliff in Mount Athos

Skete of Mikra Agia Anna

Belonging to Great Lavra Monastery. It is dedicated to Saint Anne.

Tel: +30 23770 23321
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E-mail: info@mikragianna.gr

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