The region of Mount Athos is one of the thirteen regions that comprise the country of
Greece. Situated on the Athos Peninsula, Mount Athos has also been referred to by the locals as Agion Oros, which literally translates to “Holy Mountain”. This is because the mountain is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and has once been known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
As such, it is not surprising that many of the package tours bringing travelers to Mount Athos are centered on pilgrimage tours. But the monasteries, churches and other places of worship that have been established on Mount Athos offer more than just a place where pilgrims can visit, pray and reflect. This is why Mount Athos has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Each of these buildings boasts of some of the finest ecclesiastical artworks that have ever been created in the world. One of the most visited monasteries on the Mount is the Monastery of Xenofon. Built in the 11th century, the Monastery of Xenofon is located on the western part of Mount Athos. Its view of the sea and the tranquility of the place offer pilgrims an ideal place to pray, reflect and contemplate. It is also known for its beautifully crafted wooden screens and mosaic iconographies of Agios Georgios and Agios Dimitrios.
While you are visiting the Mount Athos region, make sure to make a stop to the archaeological sites found in the nearby town of Ouranoupolis. Here, travelers are able to visit the Tower of Prosforios, which was built during the height of the Byzantine Empire.