Gregoriou Monastery

The Monastery of Gregoriou is located on the western coast of Mount Athos and is built on cliffs overlooking the sea. Its impressive architectural composition emerged as a necessity for protection against pirate attacks that plagued the region during its construction period (1310-1314). It was founded by the monk Gregory, a disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai.

The monastery was destroyed by two major fires, which have marked its historical trajectory. The fire of 1497 spared the current middle wing, the bell tower, and the icon of the Panagia Odigitria, which visitors can admire. The second fire in 1761 led to the construction of the new Katholikon (1770) with remarkable frescoes painted in 1779 by the painters Gabriel and Gregory from Kastoria. The icon of the Panagia Paleologina was saved from the fire. Important frescoes from 1739 are also preserved in the cemetery of Agion Panton.

The library houses the rare manuscript "The Shepherd" by Hermas, among its collection of over 20,000 printed works, including 300 codices. Numerous significant treasures can be found in the monastery's collection, including a gilded epitaph from the 16th century, liturgical books, gospels, crosses, golden bulls, candlesticks, firman decrees, as well as various sacred relics.