PILGRIMAGE EASTERN HALKIDIKI

Pilgrimage: is a reflection

EASTERN HALKIDIKI

Contents

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1. A few words

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2. The message of the Mayor

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3. The local pilgrimage route

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4. Arnea 4.1 The Metropolitan Church of «Saint Stephanos» 4.2 The «Ayia Paraskevi» chapel & the Park 4.3 The «Kosmas Aetolos» Holy Monastery 4.4 Escape – visit the chapels on the slopes of Cholomontas Mountain 4.5 The chapel of Prophet Elias 4.6 Escape – visit the Church of «Esodion» Virgin Mary at Stanos 4.7 Celebrate Eastern in Arnea

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5. Paleochori 5.1 Monastic Guest quarter of Panagia-Joy for the sad ones 5.2 The Holy Church of «Pammegiston Taxiarchon»

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6. Megali Panagia 6.1 The Holy Pilgrimage of «Virgin Mary» 6.2 The chapel «Panagouda» 6.3 Escape – visit the «Gomati Byzantine Tower» and the Askitario

36 40 42 44

7. Ouranoupolis 7.1 The tower of Prosforiou 7.2 The Zygou Monastery 7.3 Monastic Items & Byzantine Jewels 7.4 The Holy Epitaph 7.5 Escape – visit the «Agion Theodoron» chapel at Nea Roda

46 50 52 54 56 58

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8. Mount Athos, the mythical trip around it 8.1 The cruise around Mount Athos 8.2 Escape – visit the byzantine church of «Saint Nikolaos» at Ammouliani

60 66 68

9. Ierissos 9.1 The Metochi Kakavos 9.2 The chapel of «Apostle Paul» 9.3 The Efthimios Varlamis Exhibtion

70 74 76 78

10. Stratoniki 10.1 The chapel of the «mountainous Saint Nikolaos» 10.2 Escape – visit the chapel of «Saint Theodoron»

at Stratoni

80 84 86

11. Neochori 11.1 The chapel of «Saint Athanasios»

88 92

12. Varvara 12.1 The church of «Saint George»

94 98

13. Olympiada 13.1 The Holy Monastery «Evangelismou»

100 104

14. The local religious feasts

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15. Epilogue

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A few words Municipality of Aristotle is the ultimate pilgrimage destination worldwide: between Mount Athos, the traditional Mantemochoria and the Aristotelian Mountain is the only Greek region that developed the religious element, which decisively «shapes» the lifestyle and phenomena throughout the range of Eastern Ηalkidiki. Indeed, from Arnaia to the southern tip of Mount Athos, is synthesized a pilgrimage route that highlights dozens pilgrimage sites and sanctuaries – in and out of Mount Athos.

Mount Athos The route includes extremely important pilgrimage «stations» and create countless combination ‘packages’ pilgrimage tours. Experience a unique religious experience visiting Mt Athos, which is a selfgoverned monastic state (country within a country), that automatically makes the destination a pilgrimage of world importance. The peninsula has 2.200 monks and 20 monasteries of Byzantine architecture, as well as 12 cloisters and 800 cells. Every year a million visitors marvel at the cradle of Orthodox Christianity which for over a thousand years lives under the rules of byzantine times. Mt Athos is a large museum of byzantine and post-byzantine art. Murals, rich libraries, mosaics, priceless artworks, functional utensils and relics are being kept in the monasteries and make your visit a one-of-a-kind religious experience.

Around the area there are numerous religious monuments that attract annually thousands of visitors. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The guide you are holding focuses on establishing the destination as a must-see pilgrimage site, as its proximity to Mount Athos renders us all jointly responsible for promoting its thematic and quality in markets throughout the world!

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The message of the Mayor ALTHOUGH PILGRIMAGES were traditionally done for religious purposes, people today undertake them for a variety of reasons.

Maybe you want to walk to enjoy an active vacation or experience a country in a different way. Perhaps you’re drawn to pilgrimages for the opportunity to reflect on life. Is that reset button calling your name? The reasons for wanting to do a pilgrimage are as varied as the pilgrimage paths themselves. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Athos to the green of Eastern Halkidiki, this list of pilgrimage paths has something for every pilgrim.

Our core goal is to «advance pilgrimage as a form of cultural heritage that promotes holistic wellbeing, for the public benefit».

Stylianos Valianos Mayor of Aristotle Municipality

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FROM SCOPJE E75

The local pilgrimage route

FROM ITALY

EGNATIA ODOS E90

EGNATIA O

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FROM ATHENS WEST MACEDONIA - IPIROS

LAKE KORONIA

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C

C

APOLLONIA

LAGADIKIA

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THESSALONIKI

LAKE VOLVI

PERISTERONA

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MADYTOS

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PILEA MELISOURGOS

PANORAMA

THERMI

GULF OF THERMAIKOS A D

AGIA TRIADA

MARATHOUSA

N. REDESTOS B

DOUMBIA

ARNEA

GEROPLATANOS

N. RYSIO

A

KARDIA

B

PALEOCHORA AG. ANASTASIA

VASILIKA

N. MICHANIONA

GALATISTA

B

AG. PRODROMOS

HOLOMONTAS

B A

B

PALEOKASTRO

A

D

EPANOMI

GALATISTA TOWER

LAKKOMA

POTAMOS

TAXIARCHIS

PETRALONA CAVE

A

POLYGYROS VRASTAMA

A

NEA GONIA MARIANON CASTLE

N. IRAKLEIA

D

N. KALLIKRATEIA

NEA TRIGLIA KALYVES

OLYNTHOS N. PLAGIA

D

ORMYLIA GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA VATOPEDIO

N. FLOGITA

D

D

AGIOS MAMAS

N MOUDANIA

N. POTIDEA

GULF OF THERMAIKOS

GULF OF TORONEO N. FOKEA

SANI KALITHEA

KASSANDRA SIVIRI

KRIOPIGI

POLYCHRON

FOURKA

HAN

POSIDI NEA SKIONI

MAP OF MUNICIPALITY OF ARISTOTLE EASTERN HALKIDIKI Routes to 8Municipality of Aristotle

Map Symbols

Thessaloniki > Poligiros > Vrastama > Gomati > Ierissos > Ouranoupoli

Airport

Ancient Site

Spa

Thessaloniki > Ag. Prodromos > Paleochora > Arnea > Paleochori > M.Panagia > Gomati >

Port, Marina

Cave

Ship Cruises

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EGNATIA ODOS E90

ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA

RENDINA

STAVROS

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OLYMPIADA VARVARA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

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STANOS C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

GULF OF STRYMONIKOS

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

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STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

PALEOCHORI NEPOSI CASTLE B B

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GULF OF IERISSOS

MEGALI PANAGIA

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C. ARAPIS

IERISSOS

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GOMATI A

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

B

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MOUNT ATHOS

DEVELIKI A

C. AG. THEODORI

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ESFIGMENOU M.

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

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METAGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

HELANDARIOU M.

OURANOUPOLI

SALONIKIOU

VATOPEDION

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZOGRAFOU M.

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AGIOU DIMITRIOU M.

KASTAMONITOU M.

PANTOKRATOROS M. PR. ILIA M.

DOCHEARIOU M. XENOFONTOS M.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI

STRAVONIKITA M.

KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M.

NIKITI

IVIRON M.

AG. PANTELEIMONOS M.

ORMOS PANAGIAS

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XIROPOTAMOU M.

FILOTHEOU M.

DIAPOROS ISLAND

KARAKALOU M.

C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

SIMONOS PETRAS M.

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GULF OF SIGITIKOS (MOUNT ATHOS)

MEG. LAVRAS M.

OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. DIONYSSIOU M. AGIOU PAVLOU M. AG. ANNIS M.

SARTI N. MARMARAS

TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M.

AG. TRIADOS M. CA. AKRATHOS

SITHONIA

ATHOS

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NIOTI PEFKOCHORI PORTO KOUFO

Protected Areas Νatura European Network Taxiarhis - Poligiros

Sithonia Peninsula

Mount Holomontas

Mount Athos

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4. Arnea

The historic capital of Aristotle Municipality.

It is one of the most traditional towns of Halkidiki, and has been designated by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a «Historic Site».

It is built to a semicircular plan at the foot of Mount Holomontas, at an altitude of 600m, in a lush landscape with forests and flowing waters.

Across the city, you will find a large number of old traditional houses of significant architectural value, made of stone and wood, constructed by Arvanite and Epirote builders.

The city’s benchmark ιs its main square, the «bazaar» with the centuries-old sycamore tree – a trademark of the city. Αlong the cobbled streets that start radially from the square, creating smaller squares and neighborhoods, you can admire the area’s rich traditional offerings.

Walking along the above mentioned streets of the village, you will enjoy an atmosphere of times gone by. You will see the Metropolitan Church of Saint Stephanos, the domed cruciform church of Saints Anargyroi, the imposing stone building of the primary school, while you can try organic honey, cheese, wine, moundovina, pastries, sweets and yoghurt.

Arnea is a leading area in agricultural production!

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E7 9 S RE ER -S Y AR LG BU M O FR

EGNATIA ODOS E90

EGNATIA ODOS E90

C

LAKE KORONIA

A

RENDINA

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C C

C

APOLLONIA

LAGADIKIA

B

THESSALONIKI

LAKE VOLVI

PERISTERONA

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C

MADYTOS

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PILEA MELISOURGOS

PANORAMA

VARVARA THERMI

ULF OF THERMAIKOS A D

AGIA TRIADA

N. REDESTOS

NEOCHORI

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DOUMBIA

ARNEA PALEOCHORI

GEROPLATANOS

N. RYSIO

A

KARDIA

B

PALEOCHORA AG. ANASTASIA

VASILIKA

N. MICHANIONA

GALATISTA

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AG. PRODROMOS A

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GALATISTA TOWER

LAKKOMA

B

PALEOKASTRO

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D

EPANOMI

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HOLOMONTAS

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POTAMOS

STANOS

MARATHOUSA

TAXIARCHIS

PETRALONA CAVE

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POLYGYROS

PLANA VRASTAMA

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NEA GONIA MARIANON CASTLE

N. IRAKLEIA

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METAGITSI D

N. KALLIKRATEIA

NEA TRIGLIA KALYVES

OLYNTHOS N. PLAGIA

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SAL

ORMYLIA D

GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA VATOPEDIO

N. FLOGITA

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AGIOS MAMAS

METAMORFOSI

N MOUDANIA

NIKITI D

N. POTIDEA

LF OF THERMAIKOS

GULF OF TORONEOS N. FOKEA

SANI KALITHEA

KASSANDRA

SITHONIA

SIVIRI KRIOPIGI

FOURKA

POLYCHRONO HANIOTI PEFKOCHORI

POSIDI NEA SKIONI

IPALITY OF ARISTOTLE KIDIKI 11

Map

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4.1.The Metropolitan Church of Saint Stephanos Something unique happens in Arnaia and is related to the holy Metropolitan church of St. Stephen. It is the only church in Greece, that operates normally, serving the needs of the pilgrims, and at the same time is built over important antiquities of priceless historical value, that are visible in their most part. I.e. besides a place of worship it is a place of historical and archaeological interest. But lets take things from the start.

This church, according to an inscripted marble plate emnedded on the wall of its facade, was built in 1812 and honors the memory of St. Stephen, since there was a dependency of the Konstamonitou monastery of Mount Athos, the Catholicon of which is also dedicated to St. Stephen. The temple is a three-aisled basilica with dimensions 41x19,5m. It was burnt from the ground up during the 1821 Revolution, as the whole village did. The residents scattered in the nearby area and returned later in order to rebuild the village and the church, in which they placed a wooden chancel and one of the few in the area wood-carved ornate despotic throne. The one of a kind chancel was a donation from the Konstamonitou monastery and included 70 smaller wooden pictures and 14 silver-coated, larger ones.

THE GREAT FIRE On the night of September 5 of 2005, a great fire broke inside the temple and almost totaly destroyed it. The cause of the fire remains unknown. It is a fact that the fire left only the stone made walls behind. The roof collapsed, and everything inside the temple -such as pictures, books, several artifacts, objects of priceless historical and artistic value, the one of a kind, silver-gold coated wooden chancel, the wood-carved, ornate despotic throne-, turned into ashes. At once, the Ministry of Culture started the huge restoration, via the 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, to the jurisdiction of which the temple belongs, with the cooperation of religious and local authorities, and the full support of the residents of Arnaia and the wider area.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS The evidence of three older buildings was found during reconstruction and renovation of the building: a large three-aisled Christian basilica dated around 400, a small, one space byzantine temple of the 10th-11th century and a large rectangular post-byzantine structure without a niche of the 16th17th century. At the same time, many findings, from the christian era until the Ottoman rule period, saw the light of day (objects made of clay, marble, glass and metal, plasters and murals).

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Apart from these, fifteen tombs were discovered, some of which are dated in the christian era, whereas others are dated in the 16th century B.C. Thus, an important part of the area’s history was discovered due to the recostruction of the burnt building and thanks to the systematic excavations of the 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. A historical part that shows the uninterrupted human presence and activity in Arnaia, and specificaly where the temple of St. Stephen exists today.

The protection and maintanance of the findings was next, after the completion of the renovation. At the same time, the archaeological site was configured in order to highlight the buried history of the place. The floor of the renovated temple was made of transparent panels, over which the visitor can stand or walk, while observing the enlightened archaeological site and the findings beneath it.

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4.2. The Ayia Paraskevi chapel & the Park

It is one of the most favorable recreation destinations and is located just 2km from Arnaia. Walking the park with the oak trees, the St. Paraskevi church and the refreshment stands, is both revitalizing and relaxing.

Schools from all around Halkidiki and dozens of people who are touring around the Municipality of Aristotle visit it during all seasons.

One of the most popular festivals takes place here on July 26.

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4.3 The "Kosmas Aetolos" Holy Monastery Within two kilometers of the center of picturesque Arnea, the women’s Kosia Monastery of Aetholos, in a magnificent landscape, on the southeastern slopes of Holomont, overlooking the Mount Athos.

The monastery is built at the site of Saint Cosmas, who appeared in a godly woman on 23/7/1943, the day the Bulgarians entered Arnea and said, “Do not be afraid, you will not do anything, I will keep you safe”.

Since 1952 there has been a chapel in this place.

The monastery was founded in 1999 and is considered the first monastery in Greece dedicated to the great teacher of the genus. In 2001, the dynasties of the Holy Monastery took place.

Nowadays three nuns live with the Abbot of the Celtic nun Mariam. Spiritual of the monastery is Archimandrite Chrysostomos, of the Holy Metropolis of Ierissos.

The monastery is open every day 9am – 1 pm and 4pm – 8pm.

He celebrates on August 24 in memory of Agios Kosmas of Aetolos. In the place of appearance of the Saint on 23 July there is a sacred vigil. The second feast of the monastery takes place in the memory of Saint Spyridon on 12 December.

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4.4 Escape - visit the chapels on the slopes of Cholomontas Mountain Small churches and mountainous chapels, places intended to meet the needs of Christian worshipping, are a characteristic and inseparable element of the Eastern Halkidiki landscape.

The chapels follow specific architectural forms that were gradually established since the first centuries of Christianity and after.

Their decoration -whether paintings, mosaic or other- always reflects Orthodox doctrine, following specific style trends and established iconographic programs.

Over the centuries architects, Arvanite builders or athonian painters have contributed to the construction and adornment of the local churches and chapels, many of which are now preserved mountainous monuments.

Whether or not you’re Greek Orthodox, there’s no denying that the chapels that are scattered around Cholomantas Mountain are perfect, romantic places for a wedding.

Often situated in the most gorgeous settings in their respective areas, many seem to have merged with their surroundings and become one with nature; in fact sometimes this is almost literally the case (see the chapel of Prophet Elias below).

Spectacular sunsets and views are almost always a given at these locations.

Discover them all!

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4.5 The chapel of Prophet Elias The hill of Prophet Elias has a great view and was always a key strategic point of the region. It is located near Arnaia and is considered to be the acropolis of ancient Arnaia, mentioned by Thucydides in the Peloponnesian war. The 2003 excavations made by the 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities headed by archaeologist I. Papaggelos, revealed the wall. Ruins of the acropolis are preserved on the slopes. Pottery, coins and tombs have been discovered. The hill was named after the chapel located there. It is mentioned since the period of the Macedonian struggle (1904-8) but it might have been rebuilt after that. According to researchers, the archaeological site coincides with the position of ancient Arnaia, but this is not totally substantiated. Thucydides probably is the most reliable source of information regarding the ancient city. The great Athenian general and historian, reports that Spartan general Vrasidas departed from the city, and headed to Amfipoli with his army. ΄Επί ταύτην (τήν ΄Αμφίπολιν) ουν ο Βρασίδας άρας εξ’ ΄Αρνών της Χαλκιδικής επορεύετο τω στρατώ και αφικόμενος περί δείλην επί τον Αυλώνα και Βορμίσκον.

(Thucydides IV, 103).

Based on historical data and archaeological findings, it is assumed that the location of the ancient city of Arnai was north of the hill of Prophet Elias. According to other archaeologist researchers, there was another city built around the hill named Avgaia, and had its acropolis built at the top. It is said that Arnai was a colony of Andrians, an assumption reinforced by the fact that a city named Arni is mentioned in Andros, after the Persian wars. The reason and the time of the destruction of Arnai are also unknown. It may had the fate of other cities of the Olynthian Federation, that were destroyed by the king of Macedonia Philip II. It is confirmed though, that human presence in the hill of Prophet Elias was already organized since the prehistoric era (about 15th century B.C.) and continued almost uninterrupted until the 14th century B.C. The reasons why the region was constantly populated are obvious: it has natural fortification, it has drinking water, it has fertile properties in the nearby valley, it is well forested and the areas with the mines -from Stanos to Isvoros- are relatively close.

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Indications show that the settlement of Prophet Elias, or the so called Ai-Lia, firstly flourished during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. and then for a second time during Roman rule. These periods must be directly related to the increase in mining activity in the region, which was rich in silver and gold deposits since the ancient era.

Furthermore, there are clear indications that support this theory, since structural material used for the castle and the houses of the medieval settlement came from the cutting of the stone grinders, equipment of the ancient mines.

While historical sources confirm that the roman settlement existed until the 4th century B.C. and was probably destroyed in the middle 6th century, excavations show that a post-byzantine settlement on top of which the castle and the later settlement were built, existed on the hill of Prophet Elias. The castle encloses an area of 2.200 sq.m, had a shape of an irregular circle and was built on the top of the hill with stones used in previous structural phases. Some parts are preserved until 2m in height, and according to archaeologists it was no more than 5m in height. It was built with mud and a plaster had been used only in some parts of the outer side.

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4.6 Escape - visit the Church of «Esodion» Virgin Mary at Stanos The church of «Easodion» of Virgin Mary at Stanos was built 200 years ago as a small chapel.

During the Turkish occupation the population was increased, so the locals raised it, creating a wide stone wall, to be durable and keeping the church warm in winter and cool in summer.

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4.7 Celebrate Easter at Arnea

Easter at Arnea is being celebrated with a great pomp: on Good Friday the two epitaphs are processed in the paved paths and the cobblestone streets of the village, under the sounds of the Philarmonic, until the light of the Resurrection comes at the City Hall Square. The atmosphere is flooded by the scents of the candles, the incense and the spring flowers.

On Easter Sunday everything celebrates! At the central square the Easter Stand is set and the residents offer the visitors red eggs and pastries, wishing “Hronia Polla”!

On the morning of Easter Monday, the tradition revives under the custom of “Kantari”. People hang a large scale on the perennial tree of the central square and weigh those who weigh more kilos. It is about a very popular custom, which annually attracts many people, since for the old times, the 26

scale was a proof for those that didn’t fast during the Lent.

On Easter Tuesday, at the chapel of Prophet Elias revives the old custom of “Koutsmanous”. The participants are dressed in traditional costumes and the horse riders with old guns, set off from the central cobbled square and head to the chapel. When they arrive, the church’s icons are being processed and then the dance “Koutsmanos” begins. Reviving this custom is being completed with shooting, having as targers red eggs. Later in the noon, participants and visitors head to the church of St. Paraskevi and the park, where they savour delicious Eastern tastes.

One other custom of Easter Tuesday is “Sousaritsa”, where the participants hold a red egg competing each other, rolling over the grass, but without breaking it.

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5. Paleochori This beautiful village and important transportation hub is located be tween Arnaia and Neochori. The residential planning still preserves traditional features and the houses are spread around the square with the age old plane tree. Stores and cafes are also located there. Palaiochori is built at 550 meters high and has more than 1.500 residents. Its roots go back centuries and it is not randomly situated near the Neposi castle. Coins, pottery and shells have been occasionally found in the wider area, as well as ruins from fortifications and tombs. The exact date of the foundation of the village is not known. A plate indicating that the settlement existed 1.000 years ago was found in Neposi castle. In fact, according to some evidence, Palaiochori was one of the 32 cities of the Olynthian Federation, destroyed in 348 B.C. by Philip II. The famous “Kasteli” is also mentioned. It is said that it was the largest castle in Halkidiki and must have been destroyed for the first time in 540 B.C. by the Huns. A “large village” took its place after two centuries.

The temple of Great Archangels with the beautiful murals and the statue of Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim III the Magnificent located in the courtyard, are of special historic and religious importance. Also located there is the, according to tradition, miraculous picture of Archangel Michael (16th century, cretanmacedonian art) and the picture of Virgin Gorgoepikoou (the only exact copy of the one embedded in the wall of Dochiariou monastery in Mount Athos). Taking the road that leads to Megali Panagia, on your left, you will come across one of the most beautiful monastic guest quarters: this of Virgin Mary (Panagia) “Joy for the sad ones”, with the church of St. Athanasius the Athonite. The church celebrates on July 5.

Info According to writer and researcher John Anapliotis, Alexis Zorbas of Nikos Kazantzakis lived in Palaiochori from 22 to 44 years old. It is worth mentioning that the tradition of weaving is still alive here thanks to the women of the village. The technique is transferred from generation to generation. The residents also try to preserve the local idiom with significant influences from the Ottoman era, with roots to ancient Greek and Latin language.

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C

MELISOURGOS

VARVARA STANOS

MARATHOUSA

STAGEIRA

NEOCHORI ARNEA PALEOCHORI

GEROPLATANOS PALEOCHORA

NEPOSI C

B

B B

HOLOMONTAS

MEGALI PA

PALEOKASTRO TAXIARCHIS

B

POLYGYROS

PLANA VRASTAMA

A

AG. IOANNIS

A

D

PIRGADIK

LE D

METAGITSI

KALYVES D

SALONIKIOU

ORMYLIA D

GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA VATOPEDIO

AGIOS NIKOLA METAMORFOSI NIKITI D

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5.1. Monastic Guest quarter of Panagia-Joy for the sad ones

The monastery «Charas ton Thlivomenon» was created to honour Holy Mary and it is in Paleochori. It is located just outside the village, next to the highway which leads to the village of Megali Panagia.

It is a male monastery. It was established in 1999 by archimandrite Ignatios and a group of local clergy. In this location there was already a chapel dedicated to Saint Athanasios Athonitis.

So the monastery was constructed to honour St Athanasios and Holy Mary. People commemorate Saint Athanasios every year on the 5th of July, when a big celebration takes place.

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Plenty of miraculous Orthodox icons can be found in the monastery and several congregations are held to honor them.

The congregation for Holy Mary « Charas ton Thlivomenon» takes place on the second Sunday after Easter, followed by a holy vigil.

The congregation for the holy icon of Holy Mary «To Akenoton Potirion» takes place on the 18th of May. On the first Sunday after Easter the priests celebrate the festive Mass, the litany for Holy Mary «Charas ton Thlivomenon», the sanctification of the water and the benediction of the crops with Saint Trifon’s blessings.

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5.2. The Holy Church of «Pammegiston Taxiarchon»

The holy Orthodox temple «Pamegiston Taxiarhon» is a beautiful and splendid church located in Paleochori.

Its foundations were laid in 1899 during the period of the Ottoman rule.

In this location there was previously the old school and the old church of the village. Its construction was licensed by the sultan of the Ottoman Empire and it was completed within four years with the aid of the great ecumenical patriarch Ioakim the Third. At that period, after resigning from his throne, he was in Mount Athos and he helped to overcome the obstacles set by the administrative official of Thessaloniki.

The holy temple, which is dedicated to «Pamegisti Taxiarhes» Michael and Gabriel, is a spacious church of 400 m2 and it is a three-aisled basilica.

Its inauguration took place in 1903. The relics which are preserved in the church are: a miraculous holy icon of Taxiarhis Michael, an icon of Holy 34

Mary «Gorgoipikoos» (both the residents of Paleochori and a lot of pilgrims have witnessed plenty of miracles regarding this holy icon), a Holy Grail made of lead which dates back to 1600, a couple of crowns of Russian origin, a series of books with prayers, an anthology of the year 1743, two gospels which date back to 1759 and 1799 respectively and which were both published in Venice, a pair of six-winged Seraphim of the year 1863, two bronzed candle holders, which were donated by the monastery of Vatopedi during the inauguration of the church, trays made of tin, a big number of holy Orthodox icons of the year 1900, several other historic objects dedicated to the Christian Othodox religion.

The church attracts hundreds of pilgrims during the Masses and especially during the great Christian Orthodox celebrations which take place on the 8th of November and on the first Sunday of October, when Christians honour Saint Archangeloi and Holy Mary «Gorgoipikoos» respectively.

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6. Megali Panagia

A Macedonian embrace in the heart of the forest! Megali Panagia is a typical Greek mountainous village, full of tiled houses, cobbled streets and mansions, streams trickling through man-made springs, centuries-old arched bridges, green landscapes full of the scents and colours of the earth……

It is one of the largest and most important settlements of the Municipality of Aristotle, known for the Great Pilgrimage of Virgin Mary, the reason why many people come here every year. It is built at the foot of the hill named «Chtikela». It is located 80km from Thessaloniki. The village was named Revenikia and its current name was given in 1928. It is one of the oldest and most traditional in Halkidiki and is often referred to in byzantine documents of Mount Athos – in fact, there is a reference to «kastelion of Aravenikaia» and to a tower in a 1349 document. During the Ottoman years it was one of the greatest Mademochoria.

Three rivers used to run through Megali Panagia but only one is visible nowadays. A restored, arched, thousand year old, bridge, made of stone, still stands beside the asphalt road. Residents cultivate olive trees and they are also involved with animal breeding, wine & tsipouro production, agricultural tourism and logging. In the old days there were many good builders who worked in Mount Athos, and many weavers.

Tips: * Megali Panagia is an ultimate pilgrimage destination. It welcomes thousands of pilgrims each Assumption, who honor the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia in Greek, the patroness of the entire area.

Visit it during 15th of August and celebrate with the locals! * Organize weekend holidays from early October to Christmas.

The preparation of tsipouro production and the celebrations in the local «tsipourokazana» are the most authentic tourist experience you have ever had!

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MADYTOS C C

OLYMPIADA

OURGOS

VARVARA

ANCIENT STAGE

C

STANOS

THOUSA

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

C

STRATONI

ARNEA PALEOCHORI

A NEPOSI CASTLE

B

B B

LOMONTAS

C

G

MEGALI PANAGIA TAXIARCHIS B

GOMATI

C

IE

A

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

A D

B

D

DEVELIKI

VRASTAMA

A

D

PIRGADIKIA

AMMO

D

METAGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

SALONIKIOU

ORMYLIA D

DIA VATOPEDIO AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI NIKITI D

37 ORMOS PANAGIAS

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6.1.The Holy Pilgrimage of «Virgin Mary»

The Great Pilgrimage is located 1,5km east of the village Megali Panagia, in a forested location where a chapel dedicated to St. Constantine existed. It has an attended courtyard, cells, auxiliary spaces, domed galleries. The bright red and yellow colors are dominant. It was built in 1863 and was rebuilt after the 1932 earthquake. It is worth visiting the Catholicon, with the interesting wood-carved “ikonostasi” (icon-screen) that is dated in 1870 and according to tradition it was made by two Bulgarian craftsmen over seven years. The same men seem to have built the despotic throne. According to tradition, the original, miraculous considered, picture of Virgin Mary was found there after the vision of an elder woman named Gerakina, in 1860. The ex community of Revenikia was named after this event as Megali Panagia. The picture has been stolen since 1978.

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Info The place of Sanctification of Virgin Mary with the cool running water is located outside the yard of the Pilgrimage, under the temple.

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6.2.The chapel «Panagouda»

It is worth seeing the temple of St. Vasilios (1955) and «Panagouda», a small church which - according to the tradition - was built in 1007 on the highest spot of Megali Panagia. It is dedicated to The Assumption of Virgin Mary and celebrates on September 8.

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6.3. Escape - visit the «Gomati Byzantine Tower» and the Askitario

Follow the signs to the Pilgrimage of Megali Panagia from the center of Megali Panagia village. After the last sign to the left, you drive straight and enter the dirt road that used to be a cobbled road.

After 5,3km without taking any of the side roads, you pass from the fountain and the recreation space to a locaction called Manna.

In approximately 8km you will see on each side of the road the few ruins of the οld Gomati that was leveled by the 1932 earthquake.

At 8,4 km you can step out of your car and search for the byzantine tower, located on the left of the mountain’s foot. Approximately 2km further down, you will see on the road the double arched bridge of St. George, beside of which a cobbled path that leads to a cave begins. Having travelled 13km in total and leaving the bridge behind, you arrive behind a church at the new village of Gomati.

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7. Ouranoupolis More than 1.000 residents live under the shadow of the impressive tower of Prosforio. Ouranoupoli might be the last place the visitor headed to Mount Athos passes through, but its name has nothing to do with the fact that it is a “gate” to the monastic state. It was named after the Alexandrian city, founded in 315 B.C. by Alexarchos, son of Antiparos and brother to Kassandros. The city was built on top of the ruins of Sani, a colony of Andrians, which was totally destroyed by Philip II. Some preserved coins are signed “OURANIAS POLEOS” and others “OURANIDON POLEOS” and have a representation of Ourania Aphrodite, sat on a sphere on one side and the sun with eight rays on the other.

During summer the accommodations, as well as the beaches, fill with visitors.

Most tourists also visit the islands of Ammouliani and Drenia, as well as the famous Zygou monastery, located 2km away from Ouranoupoli (distance easily covered on foot). The archaeological site is well organized and visiting the natural border to the settlement of Athos is an experience not to be missed.

Ouranoupoli is 120km from Thessaloniki, and is a vibrant state all year round.

Men pilgrims travel by ship from the small port of the tower of Prosforio (after they have been given the proper permission from the Mount Athos office) to Daphne, the seaport of Mount Athos.

HISTORICAL DATA ABOUT THE REGION The first monasteries in Athos peninsula were founded in the 10th century.

One of them is the Zygou monastery, or Fragokastro, in which St. Athanasios the Athonite, founder of Megistis Lavras monastery lived almost a year. This monastery, which is lately being reconstructed, has the great privilege of being the only one outside Mount Athos, therefore, it can be visited by women. In early 14th century, the Vatopediou monastery built the byzantine tower located in the SW corner of the village for the protection of the dependency. It is the largest and best preserved in Halkidiki. In 19th century, after the earthquake, the last floor was demolished. It was then that it was repaired and took its final form. At the same time, its supporting buildings were built.

After the Asia Minor disaster, refuges from the islands of Marmaras in Propontida, arrived at the village and settled in the tower, the nearby buildings and in tents. In 1926, a German company built the first houses of the village, some of which are still preserved. Later, residents built the church and the school, and a community under the name of “Prosforion” started to form, later named “Pyrgos” and around 1960 it took its final name as “Ouranoupoli”.

In 1928, the pair of Loch who settled in the tower became a part of the life in the village. The pair’s cooperation, using designs copied from monasteries’ codes, together with women familiar with the art of weaving, laid the foundations for a local industry that gave work to many families.

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VARVARA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

C

OS C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

EOCHORI

C

STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

CHORI NEPOSI CASTLE B

C

GULF OF IERISSOS

MEGALI PANAGIA

B

C. ARAPIS

C

GOMATI

IERISSOS

A

NA

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

B

D

DEVELIKI D

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

D

AGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

OURANOUPOLI

ΜΕΤΟ

SALONIKIOU

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

MORFOSI NIKITI

ORMOS PANAGIAS DIAPOROS ISLAND C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

GULF O (MOUN SARTI N. MARMARAS

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7.1.The tower of Prosforiou The birds flying around and the fishermen fixing their nets near the pier perfectly match the picture of the lonely, high tower located on the sand. The symbol of Ouranoupoli, the last “postcard” everyone boarding the ship to Mount Athos takes with him, seems to exist there since the 12th century and is the largest and best preserved tower in Halkidiki. The complex consists of the byzantine tower, the small, fortified yard called “barbakas” and the “arsanas” (port) of 1865.

It belonged to the dependency of Prosforion (today’s Ouranoupoli) the original core of which already belonged to the Vatopediou monastery in 1018.

Scattered information regarding what happened to the building is found from sources, since the excavations are not yet finished. It is known that in 1379, the despot of Thessaloniki named John Palaiologos was hosted here, that in an earthquake in 1585 it suffered great damage and that in 1858 it was abandoned –a picture commonly seen at that time in Halkidiki. In addition, it was probably burned in 1821, since there are testimonies that in 1858 it was in a terrible condition and abandoned. Its current form came from the extensive repair and reconstruction that followed.

In 1924, after the exchange of population, refuges from Asia Minor settled in the dependencies and founded Ouranoupoli. Several houses were built over time and gradually joined the building set. In 1928, the couple Joice and Sydney Loch came as members of humanitarian groups. They settled in the tower and offered essential help to the refuges and the victims of the 1932 earthquake.

STRUCTURAL-HISTORICAL PHASES The building has been through at least three main structural-historical phases.

The byzantine phase (11th-12th century) includes the lower building without the two floors. In the next phase, dated during the Ottoman rule and probably after the 1585 earthquake, three more floors were added, two of which are preserved until present day. The third floor might have been another level of battlements. The inner wood paneling of the building and the roof, preserved until present day were built in the third phase, and were included in the reconstruction that finished in 1862. The external oblique retaining wall (called skarpas), was built after the reconstruction.

The “barbakas”, i.e. the fortified perimeter, is attached to the eastern side of the tower that seems to be an addition during the early Ottoman rule, with subsequent repairs. The accommodation and storage spaces inside barbakas were designated in the middle 19th century. Arsanas (harbor) is

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located northwest of the tower, and was built in 1865 together with a pier that nowadays does not exist. It consists of the semi basement storage of the dependency’s boat, the warehouses in the semi upper floor and the upper floor. There were also other buildings: warehouses, barns, olive mills, wells.

Nowadays only the “halkadio” and the “kolligadiko” located a little farther, are preserved.

THE LOCHS The Australian writer and journalist Joice NanKivelli treveled to Europe to report the events of the 1st world war. In 1919, she married Scotish journalist and writer Sydney Loch and together they continued traveling and settling in several countries of the world offering humanitarian help (they belonged to the religious group of Kouakers, or Christian Friends). In one of their journeys, they went to Thessaloniki and from there to Ouranoupoli. In 1928, they decided to settle, initially in the island of Ammouliani and then to the Prosforiou tower that charmed them.

Older people still remember them, they talk about the ”Madam” and Sydney, for helping them during the difficult times after the 1932 earthquake, for the way they used to run around all day long, distributing drugs to the refuges, for how they used to take their lanterns at night and visit people in need.

Their largest contribution was the preservation of the traditional patterns of handmade textiles. Sydney designed based on patterns from murals of Mount Athos and Persian carpets. Joice showed how to naturally color the wool, to the already experienced with weaving, women of the Asia Minor refuges. They both passed away in Ouranoupoli, Sydney in 1954 and Joice in 1982 at the age of 95.

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7.2.The Zygou Monastery

It is an old Athonite monastery that was founded in the early 10th century and was destroyed just before 1198. It is located approximately 2km east of Ouranoupoli, just outside the limits of Mount Athos, in a position known as Fragokastro (just 40m outside the borders of Mount Athos). According to data, it seems to be one of the oldest monastic institutions on the Athonite peninsula. It was discovered by a 1984 excavation that took place by archaeologists headed by Joachim Papaggelos. The 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities is responsible for the archaeological research.

According to the scientific director of the excavation «Mount Athos is constantly renewed ever since it started being populated. Thus, if someone wants to study the monasteries located inside in terms of archaeology, building and organization of the worship space has to look else ware. It was founded in the 10th century and was already deserted by 1198. It suffered very little destruction –so everything there is of the ancient Mount Athos”.

In the excavation site visitors will admire the castle, the towers and mainly the Catholicon of the monastery which is being excavated. The castle consists of five construction phases, all older than 1211. The surface inside the walls is 5,5 acres and the walls had 11 towers –some of which are being restored.

HISTORICAL DATA When St. Athanasios the Athonite, founder of Megistis Lavras monastery, first came to Mount Athos around 958, he settled in the region of the monastery and made the first ascetic test under the supervision of an elder monk. However, the first report of the name Zygou is made in a 942 document, in which it is not specified if this name refers to a location, a monastery or a settlement. The first accurate report about its existence was in 992, when it was already an important monastic center with a significant part in the operation of the Athonite state. In 1018, when Nephon was abbot, its properties increased with the land granted by the Athonite community.

At the same time, the building complex expanded and the new Catholicon (main church) was built. During the 11th century, the monastery was one of the most important in Mount Athos, highly ranked in the hierarchy.

It seems that the building complex found by the excavations, was built in a century. It is a five-side castle, fortified by ten or eleven towers. The monastery was abandoned in the late 12th century for unknown reasons and it was granted by a Golden Bull, together with its dependencies, to the reestablished Hilandariou monastery.

In around 1206, a Frank lord who repeatedly attacked Mount Athos –event that stopped in 1211 by the intervention of the Pope of Rome- seems to have settled in the monastery. That is why the remains of the monastery were known and are often referred to –in maps also- as Fragokastro.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS The abandonment and the abstraction of stones for construction material until 1980, transformed the monastery into a pile of ruins. Six limekilns operated inside and around it. It is reported that the lime needed for the construction of the building of Xenia hotel in Ouranoupoli in 1960, came from here. The 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, which is responsible for the archaeological research, has archives containing valuable information regarding the monastery. After the last excavations, it was found that the monastery was built on foundations existed from 4th century B.C. until 6th century A.D. The building complex consists of the old core (the western), which had been doubled to the east.

The Catholicon is located in the extension that started being built in the middle 11th century. It consists of four, clearly distinct, construction phases. The complex, four-pillar, main temple with its narrow narthex was built first. Next, they built, the northern chapel with the founder’s tomb, then the outer narthex and lastly the south, one spaced, domed chapel also with a founder’s tomb. The construction of the three official tombs in contact with the south wall of the Catholicon followed. It is a cruciform temple with two burial chapels.

The murals at 2-4m height are preserved. Its marble parts, masterful pieces of art, were partly looted at a very early stage and most of the remaining were in pieces.

The four pillars holding the dome are missing, but the marble diaphragm of the northern opening of the main temple is still preserved almost intact. The inside of the temple was coated with fine-grained, pressed plaster and had murals. Parts of the large presentation of the Annunciation and gem-studded crosses are preserved in the narthex. Two layers of murals with the presentation of an hierarch, probably St. Nicholas, were discovered in the niche of the southern chapel.

There are marble additions of excellent craftsmanship preserved in good condition on the floors of the Catholicon and the northern chapel, probably work of the 11th century. An oil mill complex was established in the narthex, during the 16th-17th centuries when the Catholicon was deserted. A second oil mill was established at the same time in an already deserted building located in the yard of the monastery, but their operation stopped before 1858.

The excavations brought many findings to light. The most important movable findings are the marble decoration and the marble additioned, mosaic floors, which are a feature of byzantine architecture. Furthermore, three lead seals of the 11th century, book shutters, a silver-coated medal with a carved presentation of St. Paraskevi, a tiny seal, a pectoral tablet with the presentation of an Archangel, glass pebbles from a wall embedded mosaic, bronze needles and thimbles, knives, coins of the 11th and 12th centuries, glazed pottery and glass vases of the same era stand out among the small findings.

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7.3. Monastic Items & Byzantine Jewels Thousands of visitors are interested in seeing Byzantine works of art with a religious theme, such as icons, jewels, cultural tributes from the past which pay testimony to dedication and athonian tradition and to the tenacious relationship between Art and Religion. The major Byzantine market in Ouranoupolis will stun you with the richness and quality of its sublime collections of exhibits.

Indeed, the commercial world of Ouranoupolis moves around the promotion and distribution of monastic items, produced by the monks in the Holy Community.

The special aesthetic shops of Ouranoupolis compose a different commercial center. You will find there all the athonian production: wines and tsipouro, virgin olive oil and olives, honey and pollen, soaps and pharmaceutical creams, herbs and sweets of the spoon.

You will buy excellent icons, made by athonian hagiographers and you will see priests from the international orthodox community, procuring vestments and priestly items of unimaginable quality and aesthetics.

You will visit the jeweler’s shops to admire / buy Byzantine-inspired jewelry. You will smell / buy aromatic frankincense. You will also find information material for Mount Athos written in all languages.

Walk around Ouranoupolis commercial roads and discover a place that brings us closer to the divine aspect of our existence. Enjoy every religious moment in this destination with your own soul!

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7.4. The Holy Epitaph

Religious feast with centuries-old traditions and customs take place throughout the year in Eastern Halkidiki and Orthodox Easter is one of the greatest such celebrations. Good Friday in local churches Epitaphios (a wooden canopied bier representing the tomb of Christ) is covered with flowers and beads of selected colors. At the end of the evening service a procession takes place headed by Epitaphios, the priests and acolytes.

People follow along the streets of cities, towns and villages listening to psalms being chanted.

Easter in Ouranoupolis marks the beginning of the summer season. An atmosphere of true religious celebration and reverence, mixed with the smell of spring / sea breeze, causes an influx of visitors from Greece and European countries, flooding the local hotels.

Several months before Easter, local women prepare the elegant decoration of the Epitaph. It is a unique work of art – a tradition brought from the unforgettable homeland of Mikrasia – that is permanentized from generation to generation.

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7.5. Escape - visit the «Agion Theodoron» Chapel at Nea Roda

The Chapel of «Agion Theodoron» nearby the Aegean Sea is located on a rock called «Glossa» in the same place that Persian King Xerxes created a canal, cutting the peninsula in order to make passage in Europe.

Picturesque and romantic is suitable for wedding ceremonies and baptisms.

Stay there, at the stone-built courtyard, between the Aristotelian Mountain and Mount Athos and «smell the Aegean Sea», in the destination where the history of Xerxes meets the Aristotelian aura and the byzantineism of Mount Athos.

Then, go to the Holy Church of Virgin Mary to worship the miraculous icon brought from Asia Minor by the Greek refugees one century ago!

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8. Mount Athos - the mythical trip around it

Mount Athos, commonly known as Holy Mountain, is the most important center of orthodox monasticism since late 10th century and is one of the top monuments of the world’s cultural heritage. It occupies the northern part of Halkidiki’s peninsula, its size is 45 km in length and 5-10 km in width, and is named after the mountain’s homonymous peak (at 2.033m) that overlooks the rocky strip of land. The Athos peninsula is forested, has pastures and small areas that monks do their “handiwork”, i.e. cultivate, for centuries. However, the name “Garden of Virgin Mary” is given by popular faith, because it is the only place privileged to have its own heritage and dominion.

Even though tradition says that the first hermits settled there at the end of the 8th century, the first ones mentioned is a person shrouded by mists of myth named Peter the Athonite and Saint Euthymius the Younger, both settling there in 859. Initially, cenobitic monasticism appeared in 963, when Athanasios the Athonite, supported by his friend and emperor Nikephoros Phokas, founded the oldest monastery of Megisti (Great) Lavra. In 972, John Tsimiskes signed the famous “Tragos” (a text on parchment), which constitutes the Athonite monasticism’s first “typicon”, bearing the rules of organizing and operation of the cenobitic communities. Avaton, is one of the most ancient and unbreakable rules. In 1060, emperor Constantine Monomachos introduced the so called avaton, the non-accessibility of Mount Athos to eunuchs, beardless children and women. It attracted the interest, grace protection and tax immunity of the Byzantine emperors and the other Balkans orthodox rulers right from the very first years of its history. At the same time, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople claimed and still has the spiritual jurisdiction of the monasteries.

CENOBITIC ORGANIZATION During the 10th century, Mount Athos attracted monks from several orthodox countries. The Georgian monastery of Iviron was founded in 979-80 and the Italian monastery of Amalfi, not existing at present day, was established next. Several orthodox Armenians were among those in the fraternity of Esphigmenou monastery. The Slavs monks arrived in the 12th century. The Panteleimon monastery was passed on to monks from

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the state of Ros, ie, the areas around Kiev. The Chilandariou monastery was renovated to a Serbian monastery and Bulgarian monks settled in Zografou monastery in the 13th century.

Mount Athos retains a timeless inter-orthodox character. The cenobitic organization of monastic fraternities quickly gained ground against individual hermit ascetics. The administration and spiritual guidance was exercised by the abbot, the obediences where an obligation of each monk and the feeding was common. The monasteries of Megisti Lavra, Vato pediou and Iviron occupied the first three positions in the hierarchical classification of the monasteries and where prioritized in the central command of the Mount, the “Protato” of Karyes. New monasteries were established during the 11th-12th century such as the Konstamonitou, the Dochiariou, the Koutloumousiou, and at the same time other monasteries expanded their properties.

ARCHITECTURE During the ages, monasteries were large multistorey, confined building blocks, with wings housing the “kellia”, the lodgings of the monks as well as facilities for their self-operation. The refectory where the common dinning of monks and pilgrims take place, the container where food and olive oil are stored, as well as the vagenareio (wine cellar) are some of the many buildings of the monasteries. The focal point of monastic life is the Catholicon, a church in the centre court. The fountain used for the blessing of the water is located in the yard. The monastery has a small shipyard, a building complex at the beach including a harbor and storage spaces.

Constant threats from several invaders during history, forced the monasteries to create an impressive fortress architecture with huge defensive towers dominating the area.

In 1204, the conquest of Constantinople by the Franks of the fourth Crusade and the allegiance of Mount Athos to the Latin Kingdom of Thessaloniki created a lot of problems. In addition, bandit attacks by the notorious Catalan Company in the 14th century, worsened the relations

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between monks and Latins. Pirate attacks of Turkish emirs of Asia Minor have taken place at the same period according to the monasteries’ historical records.

A period of prosperity followed, with the founding of the monasteries of Gregoriou, Dionisiou, Pantokratoros and Simonopetras. At that time, Athos became the center of Hesychasm, with Gregorios Palamas as its representative, who expressed the mystical dimension of the Orthodox tradition.

THE PROPERTIES OF THE MONASTERIES Estates, vineyards, pastures, mills, fish farms, whole villages, urban rented properties and workshops are some of the properties owned by monasteries of Athos. They were located in Macedonia including Thessaloniki and especially in Halkidiki peninsular and Strimonas valley. They extented to Thrace, Lemnos, Serbia and Wallachia. Many monasteries owned ships for transporting products and importing necessary supplies. Their ownership rights and tax exemptions were ensured by imperial Golden Bulls . Their benefactors, apart from the humble peasants, were byzantine emperors, Grand Komnenos of Trabzond, rulers of Serbia and Bulgaria and voivodes of Wallachia.

The peculiar monasticism with the administration of the monasteries being exercised by the Assembly of Heads, developed in the 14th century.

Worship was common but the ministrations were paid. Each monk assumed the responsibility of taking care of himself. At present, every monastery follows the cenobitic way of life.

SKETES, CELLS, SEATS In 1430 when Ottomans ruled Mount Athos, its autonomy was recognized and its monasteries had to pay taxes. A few peculiar forms of monastic exercise had been sread during the Ottoman rule, such as Sketes, Cells, Seats and Hesyhasms. They belong to a monastery as its “accessory parts”. Hermitages are settlements consisting of “huts” built around a church named “Kyriako”. Every “hut” is inhabited by three monks who elect the head of the Skete called “dikaio”. The oldest Sketes in Mount

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Athos are those of St. Anna and Kafsokalyvia. The “Cells” consist of a small temple and a house with its yard. These are granted for life to an old monk who exercises there together with his ”escort”, his two “subjects”.

The “Cells”, but mainly the “Hermitages” are individual huts at the steep coasts of southwestern Athos, where the hermit strictly exercises by continuous prayers, vigil and deprivation. Ottoman rule highlighted some great personalities in the Mount, such as the one of Cretan Agapios Landos of Kollyvades in the 18th century. At the same time, Vatopedi monastery introduced in 1848, a core of modern Greek Enlightenment called “Athoniada”, with famous students as Iosipos Moisiodax and Cosmas of Aetolia.

Emmanuel Papas disembarked in Daphne in 1821 and declared the Revolution of the Greek nation. A new period started with the liberation of Macedonia, when the international treaties recognized the self-rule of the Monastic State of Mount Athos within the limits of the Greek state. At present, European Union Treaties ensure the inviolability of this ancient status, which always prevailed in the Athonite peninsula.

THE RECOVERY Nowadays, Athos’ monasticism shows an optimistic recovery, overcoming a period of decline, when the huge monastic complexes suffered from the lack of men. In the last thirty years the number of new monks more than doubled and the monasteries have been renovated. Monasticism gained some special quality characteristics and the cenobitic way of life was strengthened. Elder Fathers with high spiritual and moral stature led many young, highly educated people to the monastic tonsure. Despite the challenges of the 21st century, the 20 “Dominant”, “Royal”, Patriarchal” and “Stavropegial” holy monasteries comprising the Monastic State of Mount Athos, continue to support and spiritually reinforce the Church and the Greek society with the ascetic lifestyle. At the same time they fight vigorously to preserve intact the divine-human landscape.

Text: Dr. Antonios G. Dikaios/ Theologian – Environmentalist

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8.1. The cruise around Mount Athos

The absolute “must”!

Do not miss this daily excursion for any reason!

This excellent thematic trip takes you on a journey into the past, on a tour of the architecture and lifestyle of Byzantium. All the monasteries on the western shore of Mount Athos magically appear one after the other, alternating with a natural landscape of unimaginable beauty, with bold changes between dark green and endless blue, as Mount Athos too is protected by the Natura 2000 European Convention.

Include the cruise along the monastic state in your holiday program and enjoy a unique tourist experience, which is part of a global religious and cultural uniqueness: Mount Athos!

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8.2. Escape - visit the byzantine church of "Saint Nikolaos" at Ammoulini

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9. Ierissos It is the oldest and largest village of the Municipality of Aristotle. It is, historically, the continuance of ancient Akanthos, which as stated by historians and highlighted by archaeological research, was, since the 7th century B.C., a colony of the Andrians and a great Macedonian city. Today’s settlement was built from the ground up, since the fatal 1932 earthquake of 7 Richter, with its epicenter located here near the sea, leveled the older one. As proved by excavations, today’s city is built on top of the ancient cemetery of Akanthos.

Modern Ierissos is a beautiful, well structured, coastal city. It is the administrative center of the municipality of Aristotle. The Cultural Center stands out in the settlement and just 1 km to the northwest you will see the impressive tower of Krouna. Despite the fact that Akanthos was famous for its wine, younger residents are occupied in fishing, shipbuilding, trade, construction in Mount Athos and tourism.

It is an important harbor of north Greece, with a remarkable fishing fleet.

Furthermore, fish from the Ierissos bay are famous for their taste. Orkini, a species of tuna found in the area from May until early June, stands out. It is cooked stewed or salt-cured. The residents were considered to be great shipbuilders, carrying on an ancient craft from generation to generation. The shipyards of Ierissos were some of the most significant in Greece, with famous shipbuilders. You will notice the old «karnagia», as they call the shipyards, when you drive from Ierissos to Nea Roda.

The village was a member of the Mademochoria during the Ottoman era. Residents of Ierissos participated in the 1821 Revolution and had great fighters, such as Athanasios and Constantine Vlachomichalis.

EASTER – the mavro aloni The region has many interesting customs. The custom celebrated every third day of Easter and is called the Black Threshing Floor, is of special interest. It is a place near Ierissos, where in 1821, Turks under the command of Yusuf Bey Sintiki, massacred 400 Ierissans. According to tradition, Bey, had promised amnesty to everyone surrendering, since Halkidiki had also revolted. 400 Ierissans who believed him surrendered, but were made to dance under the threat of weapons. They were slaughtered one by one, after finishing each circle of dance. Since then, to honor the memory of those slaughtered, a Trisagion is chanted and a dance in which hundreds of residents together with visitors participating, follows.

A specific dance is called «kagkeleftos» and represents the horrible massacre. It is slow stepped, simulating the steps of people condemned to death. Since the custom took place many years after the event and in the presence of Turks, some things could not have been stated clearly, so the song has many innuendos for the coveted freedom. When the song is about to end, the first two dancers join hands in an arch, representing the swords of the Turk executioners and the rest of the dancers pass underneath twice. It is interesting that the men and women participating chant each 70 line of song alternatively.

C

OLYMPIADA ANCIENT STAGEIRA

C

C. MARMARI

STRATONIKI C

STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

CASTLE C

GULF OF IERISSOS

ANAGIA

C. ARAPIS

C

GOMATI

IERISSOS

A

N. RODA A D

B

D

MOUNT AT

DEVELIKI

IA AMMOULIANI C. ARKOUDAS

H

OURANOUPOLI

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZO

KASTAMO

DOCH

XENOFO

OS

AG. PAN

ORMOS PANAGIAS DIAPOROS ISLAND C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU 71

GULF OF SIGITIKO

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9.1. The Metochi Kakavos

Α dreamy place in the heart of Mount Kakavos, belonging to the Holy Monastery of Hilandar, Mount Athos.

A green environment between church buildings and chapels defines the artificial lake with freshwater fish. Weddings, christenings and celebrations of all kinds are organized in the picturesque surroundings where pilgrims from everywhere come to worship.

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9.2. The chapel of «Apostle Paul»

Located on the green hills of Akanthos, the chapel of Apostle Paul commemorates his passage to Akanthos.

The place was a pilgrimage of the same name in the 11th century, and the tradition of persecution was already known in 1550, when it was first recorded.

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9.3. The Efthimis Warlamis Exhibition

Cultural Centre of Ierissos presents the Paint exhibition of the great Greek artist Efthimios Warlamis, called “Mount Athos for All”, featuring 32 realistic depictions of the monasteries of Mount Athos. The pictures are illuminated in such a way as to highlight the spirituality which is everywhere present on the Holy Mountain.

A 3D theatre is also located in the building, presenting a 3D travelogue about Mount Athos called “Angels are the light for monks’’. Because of “Avaton”, women are not allowed to visit Mount Athos, by using the 3D technology visitors can experience the spirituality of Holy Mountain, as if they were actually inside Mount Athos walking among the monasteries themselves.

On the ground floor you can visit the Folk Art Museum of Ierissos and the photo exhibition about the catastrophic earthquake of September 26th 1932, which totally destroyed the old village. In addition, visitors can explore the photo exhibition “Mount Athos: 1000 years in 100 photos”, about the day life of the monks.

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10. Stratoniki

Stratoniki is built on the slopes of the Aristotelian Mountain, offering view to the Akathios Bay and to Mount Athos.

A long coastline is also found here!

It is one of the famous Mademochoria and the residents traditionally work in the mines. It is said to have been built by Perdikas, King of Macedonia, to honor his sister Stratoniki.

According to tradition, the history of the Aristotelian Mountain is connected to the rich in deposits – silver mainly - land, since the time of Alexander the Great.

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C

OLYMPIADA

VARA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

C

C. MARMARI

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

RI

C

STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

NEPOSI CASTLE C

GULF OF IERISSOS

MEGALI PANAGIA

B

C. ARAPIS

C

GOMATI

IERISSOS

A

AG. IOANNIS

N. RODA A D

B

D

DEVELIKI D

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

D

C. ARKOUDAS

OURANOUPOLI

ΜΕΤΟ

SALONIKIOU

NIKITI

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

ORMOS PANAGIAS DIAPOROS ISLAND C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

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10.1. The chapel of the «mountainous Saint Nikolaos»

On the top of the Stratoni hills a cute and white chapel overlooks the Aegean Sea. Located among pine trees and green shrubs is dedicated to the Saints Theodori as well as to the first church of the village, which was destroyed by the earthquake on 1932.

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10.2. Escape - visit the chapel of «Saint Theodoron» at Stratoni

On the top of the Stratoni hills a cute and white chapel overlooks the Aegean Sea. Located among pine trees and green shrubs is dedicated to the Saints Theodori as well as to the first church of the village, which was destroyed by the earthquake on 1932.

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11. Neochori

Neochori seems to be besieged by the dense vegetation and the deep green color that surrounds it. Large forested lands with chestnuts, beeches and oaks together with the main asphalt road twirling its way around the settlement form a unique scenery.

It was founded in approximately 1500 and is reported as one of Mademochoria. It has the same name for centuries.

Turks called it “Yenikoy” (New Village) and Slavs “Novoselo” (also New Village). Some of its residents came from the regions near Volos and Katerini. The oldest evidence of the village’s existence is a 1640 purchase agreement kept in Iviron monastery in Mount Athos.

Neochori took an active part in the revolution of 1821 under Emm. Pappas and T. Karatasos. The largest and most important church is the one of St. George located on the hill and has a fountain and an outer rig for use at the major religious events.

The largest festival takes place on Prophet Elias day.

The old temple of Ai-Lias (St. Elias) used to be on the same place.

The very important chapel of Prophet Elias is located in the northeastern side, in the forest outside the settlement.

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RENDINA

STAVROS

C

C

C

OS

C

OLYMPIADA VARVARA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

C

STANOS

C.

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

C

STRATONI

RNEA PALEOCHORI NEPOSI CASTLE B B

AS

C

GULF OF

MEGALI PANAGIA

HIS

AMA

B

GOMATI

C

IERISSO

A

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

A D

B

D

DEVELIKI A

D

PIRGADIKIA METAGITSI

AMMOULIANI

D

C. ARKOUDAS

SALONIKIOU

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11.1. The chapel of «Saint Athanasios»

Α stone-built chapel with white terraces, located in the heart of the Aristotelian forest, at Neochori surroundings.

It is dedicated to the Saint Athanasios. A great celebration takes place on the second day of May since 1820.

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12. Varvara A more than 90.000 acres green, forested land seems to hold a lucky village in its hug. It is named after its patroness Aghia Varvara (St. Barbara), with its main church built in 1875 or -according to local myth- after the region’s earlier queen. Built at 550m height, between the hills of Derveniko and Sougkliani, Varvara has neighborhoods with narrow paths, plenty of running water and springs. It offers a great view beyond Strymoniko and the lake Volvi.

The place seems to have been populated since the 14th century A.D. First evidence was found in a document of the religious judge of Sidirokafsia. The village of Varvara was added to the Mademochoria Federation by a Turkish firman in 1762. In 1821, it had the fate of the other villages of Halkidiki and was burned by the Turks. It took an active role in the Macedonian Struggle under the commander Athanasios Minopoulos.

At present day, Varvara has more than 800 residents occupied in logging and animal breeding.

The local woman association produces frumenty (“trahanas”) and delicious sweets. The village celebrates in an incomparable mountainous winter landscape on December 4, the day of St. Varvara. A great feast also takes place on the day of St. George (second day of Easter) and lasts 3 days.

Info Varvara is 20 km from Arnaia, to the northeast. It is famous in the region due to its two waterfalls located inside the forest towards Olympiada.

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ASPROVALTA

I

RENDINA

STAVROS

C

C

C

MADYTOS C C

OLYMPIAD

LISOURGOS

VARVARA

ANCIENT S

C

STANOS

ARATHOUSA

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

C

STRA

ARNEA PALEOCHORI

HORA B

NEPOSI CASTLE B B

HOLOMONTAS

C

MEGALI PANAGIA TAXIARCHIS B

GOMATI A

S

PLANA VRASTAMA

AG. IOANNIS

A D

B

D

DEVELIKI A

D

PIRGADIKIA METAGITSI

D

C. ARKOUDAS 95

ORMYLIA

SALONIKIOU

C

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12.1. The church of «Saint George» A more than 90.000 acres green, forested land seems to hold a lucky village in its hug. It is named after its patroness Aghia Varvara (St. Barbara), with its main church built in 1875 or -according to local myth- after the region’s earlier queen. Built at 550m height, between the hills of Derveniko and Sougkliani, Varvara has neighborhoods with narrow paths, plenty of running water and springs. It offers a great view beyond Strymoniko and the lake Volvi.

The place seems to have been populated since the 14th century A.D. First evidence was found in a document of the religious judge of Sidirokafsia. The village of Varvara was added to the Mademochoria Federation by a Turkish firman in 1762. In 1821, it had the fate of the other villages of Halkidiki and was burned by the Turks. It took an active role in the Macedonian Struggle under the commander Athanasios Minopoulos.

At present day, Varvara has more than 800 residents occupied in logging and animal breeding.

The local woman association produces frumenty (“trahanas”) and delicious sweets. The village celebrates in an incomparable mountainous winter landscape on December 4, the day of St. Varvara. A great feast also takes place on the day of St. George (second day of Easter) and lasts 3 days.

Info Varvara is 20 km from Arnaia, to the northeast. It is famous in the region due to its two waterfalls located inside the forest towards Olympiada.

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13. Olympiada The settlement was created in 1923, in a location of a temporary agricultural settlement with huts where a dozen of families used to live. When the refuges of St. Kyriaki of Asia Minor arrived here in 1922, those families moved to today’s Stagira. The region is of great historical importance since Ancient Stagira is located at the eastern part of Olympiada, at the area called Liotopi. According to a local tradition the village was named after Olympiada, mother of Alexander the Great, who was exiled by King Kassandros to Ancient Stagira. According to others, she was exiled to the nearby island of Kapros, located 1,5 nautical miles, on the opposite side of Olympiada, currently named Kafkanas. Ancient geographer Stravonas also mentions the island Kapros. According to him, the port of ancient Stagira was also given that name.

Today’s village, built alongside a beautiful beach, stretches in a bay of a natural harbor. It is surrounded by green mountains and magnificent beaches that attract a lot of visitors. Cultural and artistic events take place each summer on St. Kyriaki holiday, among them the one regarding Aristotle, the great philosopher who was born in Ancient Stagira.

EXCAVATIONS IN ANCIENT STAGIRA Excavations in Ancient Stagira started in 1990, with funds of the European Union and the Ministry of Culture. They were also supported by the Community of Olympiada. For the next 10 years, during summer, the 16th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities of Thessaloniki, headed by the archaeologist Dr. Kostas Sismanidis, continued the excavations.

Dr. Sismanidis himself, states: “Only the traces of the medieval inhabitance on the northern hill (the byzantine trenches) were visible before the excavations started in Ancient Stagira. Very few traces of the oldest city of Stagira were distinguished through the dense woody vegetation. A few day, small scale, first attempt to excavate was discovered in 1968 by F. Petsas, director of the Museum of Thessaloniki at that time. Investigations took place in two spots outside the limits of the fortified city: in Sykia bay, where classical period walls were discovered and in Vina position (approximately 1,5 km SE from Ancient Stagira), where a circular tower was discovered. This attempt was caused by the discovery of a kouros statue, recovered by a diver from the Liotopi bay. It took more than 20 years from that first attempt, to begin excavating again in Stagira, systematically. The excavations started with tentative and exploratory incisions in September 1990.

The encouraging results of that research created the favorable conditions for the continuation of the excavations”.

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ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA

RENDINA

STAVROS

C

C

C

C

OLYMPIADA VARVARA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA

C

STANOS

C. MARMAR

STAGEIRA

STRATONIKI

NEOCHORI

C

STRATONI

C. EL

PALEOCHORI NEPOSI CASTLE B B

C

GULF OF IERISS

MEGALI PANAGIA

B

GOMATI

C

IERISSOS

A

PLANA

AG. IOANNIS

N. R A D

B

D

DEVELIKI A

D

PIRGADIKIA D

101

AMMOULIANI

102

103

13.1. The Holy Monastery "Evangelismou"

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14. The local religious feasts A series of events related to the local tradition takes place on January 18 in St Athanasios, Stanos.

The memory of the Forty Martyrs is celebrated in Gomati and several religious events take place on March 9.

The monastery of Annunciation of Theotokos in Olympiada celebrates on March 25.

Traditional events accompanied with the offering of free food in the kourbani take place in Varvara on the day of St. George’s celebration.

Neochori celebrates its patron on the same day.

The chapels of St. Raphael in Megali Panagia, Stagira and Varvara ce lebrate on the third day of Easter, whereas the chapels of Zoodochos Pigi in Arnaia and Ierissos celebrate on the Friday after that.

Events take place in the chapels of Megali Panagia, Stanos (where the May Day is celebrated) Neochori and Varvara on May 2, the day of celebration of St. Athanasios.

A great festival together with naturalist activities takes place in St. Nicholas of the Mountain in Stratoni, on May 20.

Folklore events take place in Ouranoupolis, on the day of the Holy Spirit, which attract a lot of people due to the three-day holiday.

The chapel of Aghia Triada (Holly Trinity) in Gomati celebrates on the same day.

The chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul in Ierissos celebrate on June 29.

The chapel of St. Athanasios the Athonite celebrate in Palaiochori on June 29 and on this occasion the residents participate in folklore events.

The chapel of St. Kyriaki celebrates on July 7. Many events take place in the village during the whole week before, one of which is the famous “Mussel Festival” that attracts visitors from all over Macedonia and European countries.

The chapel of Prophet Elias is celebrates in Ierissos on July 20 with a famous festival taking place a few kilometers outside the village.

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The Prophet Elias chapels in Gomati and Neochori are celebrated on the same day. Feasts, traditional dances and folklore events always attract a great number of visitors.

A popular festival takes place in Arnaia on the name of St. Paraskevi on July 26. Thousands of people are gathered to the homonymous park to worship and then celebrate, have fun and dance to the tunes of the zurnas that are played nonstop, keeping the village alive!

The chapel of St. Panteleimonas is celebrated on August 15, in Ierissos with a large folklore festival.

The largest festival of the region takes place in Megali Panagia, on August 15. Thousands of people are gathered at night to the Holy Pilgrimage, forming a many kilometers long human chain, they worship and next they celebrate in the village squares, the road and the open spaces until the wee hours of the morning.

The 9 days of Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 23 in Nea Roda, and a folk festival takes place, which is usually accompanied by the “Sardine Festival” and the “Anchovy Festival” attracting many visitors.

Events take place in Arnaia on August 24 where people honor the memory of St. Kosmas the Aetolian.

Folklore events take place in Stanos on September 1, in the name of local St. Haido, that last almost a week.

The Birth of Mary is celebrated on September 1, in Ierissos, Stagira and Megali Panagia, where cultural and folklore events take place.

The memory of St. Anargyroi is celebrated in Arnaia on November 1, which coincides with the celebration of the city’s liberation from the Turks.

Events take place on the celebration of the Great Archangels in Palaiochori, on November 8.

The memory of St. Varvara, the patroness of the mines is celebrated in Stratoni on December 4 and is always accompanied by multi-day cultural events and the opening of the Christmas “Fairytale-land”.

On December 6, Ierissos celebrates St. Nicholas, patron of the seamen and Stratoniki its protector.

Arnaia and Stagira celebrate St. Modestos on December 18.

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15. Epilogue Religious pilgrimages have always been one of the dominant factors for motivating people to travel.

At the same time, tourism is as a kind of pilgrimage of modern civilization.

Religious sightseeing around Mount Athos is motivated by any of several kinds of interest, such as religion, art, architecture, history, nature and personal ancestry. People can find here authentic holy places interesting and moving, whether they personally are religious or not.

Each year millions of Christians travel on pilgrimage. One of the most popular pilgrim destination is Mount Athos. Travel agents arrange trips following the local route to our temples, churches, chapels, sites where religious figures were reportedly martyred, and various other locations that hold some kind of historical or mythical significance. These trips often take the form of guided tours, sometimes visiting a number of sites in one day or during one tour. All the sites are linked to historical figures or events associated with local customs.

During religious holidays and celebrations, pilgrims take part in religious ceremonies are held to mark particular occasions.

Come and Discover!

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EASTERN HALKIDIKI

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ARISTOTELES MUNICIPALITY 63075 IERISSOS HALKIDIKI / GREECE Tel: +30 2377350003 E-mail address: info@dimosaristoteli.gr http://www.dimosaristoteli.gr/en/