Athos is a mountain and Peninsula in Greece (the so-called "Eastern finger" of Chalkidiki). Here is the largest center of Orthodox monasticism – "Autonomous monastic state of the Holy mountain", which occupies almost the entire Peninsula of mount Athos. The Holy mountain is home to twenty Stavropegial Eastern Orthodox monasteries under the direct ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Athos monks also called Holy mountain as "portion" and "the garden of virgin Mary".

Mount Athos (in ancient times also known as "Akti", which translated from Greek means "rock"), has been inhabited since ancient times. Unfortunately, historical documents on ancient Athos remained extremely low. It is considered that the development as such, the monastic community on mount Athos happened at the end of the 7th century, although based on the number of sources it is possible to assert with confidence that Athos was the abode of monks in 3-4 centuries. The great flowering of Orthodox Athos began in the late 9th century, after the Byzantine Emperor Basil I the Macedonian declared Athos exclusively the abode of monks. Officially called the "Holy mountain" stuck in the monks during the 12th century.

The largest and most famous Holy monastery of mount Athos is the monastery of the great Lavra, built in 963 by St. Athanasius the Athonite. The main Holy relics of the great Lavra – the cross and the crosier of St. Athanasius, two miraculous icons of Economics and Koukouzelis", part of the Holy cross and relics of saints Basil the Great, Andrew, Ephraim the Syrian, etc.

Second in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries is the monastery of Vatopedi, Dating from the late 10th century. Among his most prized relics worth noting part of the life-giving cross, venerable belt of the virgin, relics of saints Gregory the theologian, Andrew of Crete, the Apostle Bartholomew, Panteleimon the great Martyr and wonder-working icon "joy" and "Holy Queen".

The Iveron monastery (founded in 980 years and is the third in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries) famous for its many Holy relics and miracle-working icon "after its reception and installation" (revered with Ixveka). At the Pantokrator monastery houses one of the most revered miraculous Athonite icons of the virgin of Gerontissa, and in the katholikon of stavronikita monastery is a mosaic icon of St. Nicholas, which was found in the sea. However, without exception, all the Athonite monasteries possess a certain truly unique and priceless heirlooms. No less interesting and architectural solutions.

Famous monasteries of the Holy mountain and superb library, which holds many unique ancient manuscripts in different languages, important historical documents and a huge number of publications, among which are many rare editions.

It is worth to note that access to the Holy land is strictly regulated, and women and is strictly prohibited. Men to visit the Holy mountain, you must obtain a special permit. However, many monasteries are visible from the sea, so to see them, and enjoy the incredibly scenic Peninsula, having done a fascinating boat trip along its shores.