Place of interest

Mt. Athos: known as the Holy Mountain, this semi-independent monastic state is on the World Heritage list of remarkable areas, and is solely comprised of monasteries. The nature of the peninsula is magnificent with valleys, gorges, sea views and dominated by Mt. Athos (2,030m). There are strict rules to visit Mt. Athos; these rules issued in 1060 AD are still in force today.

A permit is required for individuals or groups, and they must be over 18 years old. Only 10 males a day, who are not of the Greek Orthodox religion, can enter Mt. Athos. Females cannot enter the monastic state. (Though they can view the monasteries from a boat, but the boat must remain 500m from the shore). When you have your permit these last for three nights, four days, you then take the boat to the monasteries, as there are no roads to Mt. Amos from secular Greece.

Take the minimum of requirements, as you have to carry these with you all the time. A lot of walking is necessary so good footwear is essential, as is bottled water. You may take with you a camera, but leave your video camera behind. Inside the monastery, ask before you take any photographs. On arriving at Dafni, you should plan your route as to which monasteries you wish to visit and stay the night. Normally you stay one night in a monastery before going to the next one.

There are 20 monasteries on the peninsula the oldest monastery is the 10 th century Megistis Lavras and some has exquisite frescoes. Agiou Pandeleimonos is a Russian monastery and used to house up to 1000 monks who came here from Russia in the 19 th century. Simonos Petras monastery is worth the climb up but it is well worth it, stay the night, go out onto the wooden balcony (notice the sheer drop under the balcony) that surrounds the outside walls of the monastery and listen to the silence.

There are many routes (some can take about 5 hours walking) to take to see the different monasteries so well planning is required.

Museums in the district:

The Folklore Museum of Aphytos: This interesting folk art museum is located on the square of village. The collection consists of works of traditional art, ceramics, woven fabrics and tools of everyday life.

The Folklore Museum of Arnaia: The museum is located in the town of Arnaia, 37 kilometres from Polygyros.On display are items from the surrounding region.