Karakallou Monastery

Karakallou Monastery is situated on a hill near the sea, between the monasteries of Iviron and Megisti Lavra, on the eastern shores of the Athos Peninsula. It stands out with its distinctive fortified tower, visible from a great distance, and its entire architecture resembles a medieval fortress. It was founded in the 10th or 11th century and experienced a period of great prosperity after its reconstruction following pirate raids in the 14th century, with the assistance of Moldavian and Iviron (Georgian) rulers.

The Catholic (main) church was built in the mid-16th century and is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. The icon of the Apostles, painted by Konstantinos Palaiokapas in 1540, is one of its most significant treasures. The bell tower dates to 1710, and six years later, the church was adorned with frescoes.

The monastery's library houses 270 manuscripts, 42 parchment codices, 1 liturgical Euchologion, and approximately 2,500 printed books. The treasury contains fragments of the True Cross, numerous sacred artifacts, and holy relics. The iconostasis of the Catholic church features a remarkable woodcarving of the Holy Apostles, created by Dionysios of Furna in 1722, which holds both artistic and historical value.