Pantokratoros Monastery

The Monastery of Pantokratoros has the appearance of a massive medieval castle, built in a stunning natural landscape formed by the cliffs on the seaside, on the eastern side of Mount Athos. It was founded in the 14th century by the brothers Alexios and Ioannis, officials of the Byzantine Empire. It was renovated and expanded in the 16th century with funds provided by rulers of the Danubian Principalities. Despite experiencing three major fires in 1393, 1773, and 1948, the monastery managed to withstand destruction.

The Katholicon (main church) was constructed during the same period as the monastery and is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. Its frescoes were painted in the late 14th century and were retouched in 1854. The intriguing chapel of the Dormition of the Mother of God features Cretan-style wall paintings dating back to 1538, with retouches made in 1868. The bell tower was erected in the 19th century.

The library houses 3,500 printed documents and 350 handwritten manuscripts. The monastery also preserves relics of saints and a fragment of the True Cross. One of the most significant icons is that of Panagia Gerontissa, a gift from the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. It is an accurate replica of the Panagia Gorgoepikoos icon from the Pantokratoros Monastery in Constantinople, a monastery built by the emperor himself.