Mount Athos (Agion Oros) December 26, 2019
GETTING THERE
Mount Athos – commonly known as the Agion Oros (Holy Mountain), is located on a peninsula in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece. It is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world, consisting of 20 monasteries including one Serbian, one Bulgarian and one Russian, 12 skites, and about 700 houses, cells or hermitages and approximately 2,000 monks. The “Garden of Virgin Mary” is the paradise of the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki. The Monastic State of the Holy Mountain is known to be the main carrier of Orthodox Christianity and holds spiritual glory and great history. It is a religious community with 1.000 years old monasteries, cells in caves or between the rocks, towers, domes, belfries, chants, etc.
Although the peninsula of Athos is part of Greece, it enjoys certain autonomy. The “Holy Community” under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul administers the region. The administrative body is composed of representatives of the monasteries and maintains an office at Karyes (Iera Epistasia) where all visitors must register upon arrival at Mount Athos.
1. Permit. Visitors must contact the Holy Executive of the Holy Mount Athos – Pilgrims’ Bureau at www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/visit-mount-atho in order to obtain a written permit, prior to their visit. This is a mandatory procedure since the number of visitors is limited to only ten permits a day for non-orthodox visitors (foreigners) and 100 for Greeks and Orthodox visitors.
The permit is obtained from the office located in Thessaloniki. Reservations are made six months in advance by phone (+30 2310 252578) or fax (+30 2310 222424) or e-mail (athosreservation@gmail.com). The office in Thessaloniki is open from Monday through Saturday (09:00 – 16:00). It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
The delivery of this permit is carried out by the “Pilgrims’ Office” branch in Ouranoupolis (under the Tourist Information Office). Personal appearance with passport /ID card is required in order to obtain this permit. A letter of recommendation is no longer required.
The office in Ouranoupolis is open from Monday through Sunday from 05:30 – 13:00, Saturday 06:00 – 13:00 and Sunday 08:00-13:00
It is possible for women to see the monasteries from the boat and not land. However, just to get on the boat requires a permit! It is not clear if the number of permits given are for women and males who don’t intend to land. The people in the pilgrim’s office were less than pleasant. The first question they asked was “which monastery are you going to?” The boats are not tourist boats but are used to get people to the monasteries.
2. Avaton. Only adult men and males under the age of 18 accompanied by their fathers are permitted to enter Mount Athos. This rule, which is known as the “avaton” in Greek, forbids access to Mount Athos to any female and is enforceable by law. According to the written rules of Mt Athos, it’s forbidden for women to enter by any means or stay anywhere in the monastic state. Any breach of the rule is a punishable offence, because Mt Athos is dedicated to one woman whom all the monks honour and pray to; the Blessed Mary.
Moreover, young men who are accompanied by a guardian or adult group leader visiting Mount Athos for educational purposes need the written consent of their parents, verified by an official authority of their country.
Women are not allowed inside Mount Athos but all visitors (men and women) can admire the magnificent monasteries by cruising along the west coast of Athos peninsula.
These permits are valid for a four-day visit on specific dates. Prolongation of the four-day validity can be issued from Mt. Athos authorities in Karyes. Clergymen should obtain in advance a written consent (“Evlogia”) from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople by writing to: The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fanari, Istanbul, Turkey (tel +90 2125 349037).
3. Diamonitirio. Upon arrival in Ouranoupolis, the port where the boats depart for Mt Athos, visitors must obtain a residence permit “Diamonitirio”. This permit, which costs 30 Euros, allows the visitor to visit and stay at the monasteries of his choice. Students who can prove their student status through a school ID pay only 10 Euros. The holder of a permit may proceed to Mount Athos without any other formalities.
4. Accommodation. Most of the monasteries and sketes require prior arrangements for accommodations. The monasteries do not charge for their hospitality, but donations are accepted.
Mount Athos visitors should be decently attired. In the event of misconduct, a permit can be withdrawn. Severe penalties are enforced against anyone who attempts to remove religious items from Mount Athos collections. While taking photographs is permitted, the use of video and movie cameras is strictly forbidden. Also, because hunting is strictly forbidden on Mount Athos, hunting dogs and rifles are strictly forbidden.
5. Bus and boat lines (It is advisable to check timetables before departure because they are subject to change).
Bus Terminal to Ouranoupolis: “KTEL CHALKIDIKIS” tel. +30 2310 316 555, web site: www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr. Daily departures by bus from Ouranoupolis (148 km, 3hours). The first bus is at 05.30h.
There is a boat connection with the bus from Thessaloniki, as well as with the domestic bus Daphne – Karyes (12 km).
Boat. Daily Boat Cruises, depart from Ouranoupoli (East Coast) and Ormos Panagias (Sithonia). Note that these are not “tourist” boats that stay and allow you to visit much. They are to bring people who are staying at the monasteries. Most are 5-30 minutes stops in Daphne that don’t allow for a visit.
“Mount Athos Lines”: 23770 21041, 23770 71149
“Microathos”: 23770 71400
“Aghia Anna” Boat: 6974 819885
I drove here from Assos in Turkey on Christmas day and was able to find a restaurant open to have Christmas dinner outside the van.
Agion Oros is a place of prayer and worship. This unique monastic community is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Greek-Orthodox religion. Although the tradition and the 1000-year-old history has always been that of Orthodoxy, the spirit of kindness and tolerance is predominant. Foreigners of other beliefs are welcome. During the prayers and the praxis of the liturgy, it may be prohibited to enter the main hall of the church. The mystic traditions and atmosphere especially early in the morning under candlelight is special.
Geography. The Mount Athos peninsula is the most eastern of the three in Chalkidiki. It’s 70kms long and 8-12kms wide with a spine of 2300 meters high mountains. The sea on the north side is, depending the season, ferocious while the water of Siggitikos gulf is usually milder.
Agion Oros could well be the most beautiful and unspoilt part of Greece. Its rich vegetation, the virgin landscape, the thick forests, the wild rocks, the clear blue sea, and birds, create unique scenery that fits well with the calmness of the monastic life.
Flora. With 11.000 species of plants in an untouched environment, pine, chestnut, walnut, arbutus, wild oak and beech trees dominate. Ferns form the understory.
The monasteries have vineyards and produce a very high quality and renowned wine. Fruit trees like apricots, plums, peaches and vegetable gardens (green peppers, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, onions, garlic, cabbage, lettuce) all grow under the Mediterranean sun.
Further south are thick forests with bushes and the tall platanus trees used for controlled logging. On the north-east side of Athos, vegetation is scarce and is called the Desert. The rock is barren and only few reptiles wonder on it.
All around Agion Oros are many springs of fresh, cool water. Wild berries bushes like the laurel give the name of the port of Agion Oros called Daphni.
History.
Up to the 3rd century B.C., there were quite a few small Greek towns in the peninsula of Athos however as years gone by these cities decayed. Thus, the area remained deserted for many centuries.
Tradition indicates that Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist encountered a stormy sea, on their way to visit Lazarus in Cyprus and they were forced to seek a shelter in a port, which is now the Holy Monastery of Ivira. The Virgin Mary, admired the wild beauty of the place and asked God to give her the mountain as a present. Then our Lord responded: “Let this place be your lot, your garden and your paradise, as well as a salvation, a haven for those who seek salvation”. Since then, Mount Athos is called “The Garden of the Virgin Mary”. The first monks arrived in Mount Athos during the 5th century AD, looking for a secluded place to worship God and find their peace on Earth.
Ancient Greek Mythology has it that during the battle of Gods versus Giants, Athos threw a huge rock against Poseidon. The rock slipped through his fingers and fell into the sea creating a huge block of land which is now known as Mount Athos. However, on a different version of the story, it was Poseidon who threw the rock against Athos. The rock crushed Athos and buried him underneath. This rock is now called Mount Athos.
The first inhabitants of the third peninsula of Halkidiki were from Andros, Thrace and Lemnos island. In 5th century BC, the Persian king Xerxes trying to avoid sailing with his fleet around Athos, ordered a channel to be dug at the narrowest point. The channel was 1,5 mile long, 100 feet wide and only 12 feet deep but failed because of all the granite rock.
However, this cut led the peninsula to isolation. Many centuries passed as the place slipped to oblivion. Alexander the Great was another visitor.
Later, John the Apostle, the author of the Gospel and Revelation, along with the Virgin Mary were sailing to Cyprus when the rough weather forced them to land on the northern side of the peninsula. Mary was astonished by the serenity of the place and asked her Son to offer this wonderful garden to her. Since then, Mount Athos is also known as the Garden of Mary. This resulted to the austere and absolute ban of all female creatures. Only Virgin Mary has the right to visit Mount Athos.
Some three centuries later, Emperor Constantine thought of founding his new capital of his Empire there. But he respected the tradition and finally decided to choose Byzantium, Constantinople, for that role. Mount Athos peninsula remained empty. Although legends mention the presence of hermits since the 3rd century AD, positive presence of monks is identified around 7th century. The first hermit was Peter of Athos, an army officer from Istanbul who spent 50 years in a cave.
The sanctity of the place was made official by a gold sealed document signed by Emperor Basil 1st (867-886). This secured that from then on, Mount Athos would be dedicated to monks and prayer. The name “Agio Oros” (Holy Mountain) came to identify Mount Athos as a place of worship.
One century later, Athanasios of Trapezounta chose to live in Mount Athos and further develop the ascetic discipline. In 963 at the tip of the peninsula, Athanasios founded the Monastery of Lavra, still active today. The years passed and Agion Oros lived many adventures. Pirates and conquerors tried to steal the treasures. Young monks moved in giving a blooming only to be followed by desolation. New monasteries flourished and others were deserted. People from other orthodox countries came here to establish their cove or prayer. Agion Oros was greatly supported and occasionally fought by the various Byzantine Emperors. It also survived the four centuries of occupation by the Ottoman Empire.
But through all this hardship, Agion Oros, continued its existence and prosperity. Today there are 20 monasteries and numerous sketes, hermitages and cells. Around two thousand people permanently reside there. The old buildings are being renovated and the cultural production knows new richness. The living history of Mount Athos is still active and attractive.
Agion Oros has a rich and turbulent history that goes back for more than 1000 years. During that time, many administrative changes happened. Sometimes the monks were scarce and sometimes numerous. In the beginning of the 19th century they were around 6000 monks but just a few decades later only around 1000 remained. Habits and customs also changed in the course of time. It is only reasonable to assume that the monastic foundations also went through changes. Some were burned or deserted while new ones were founded. In the 10th century there were around 56 monasteries. A few centuries later the monasteries went to 180.
The orthodox religion has been the dogma of the Byzantine empire since the schism in 1054. Compared to other Greek-Orthodox churches in Greece and elsewhere, the tradition is more austere, the prayers more detailed and the liturgy lasts much longer. The byzantine tradition is alive and dominant. The psalms and the chanting mix with the scent of incense, the light from the candles and the rising sun and the catholic devoutness. The utmost way to experience this is to get baptized as christian-orthodox in the byzantine way. This can be arranged but requires preparation and serious thinking.
Today. Practicing religion is the reason the monks reside here and spend years and years in prayer. Their meaning of life is to save their souls and the souls of the rest of us through prayer, fasting, humility and acts pleasing to God.
At present 20 monasteries are still active. They form the administrative backbone of the Agion Oros community. Apart from the large monasteries, a number of smaller monastic structures also exist. These are the Sketes (Σκήτες), the Cells (Κελιά), the Huts (Καλύβες), the Seats (Καθίσματα) and the Hermitages (Ησυχαστήρια). The Sketes and the Cells also provide a monastic life. In the Huts, the Seats and the Hemitages the number of monks is smaller and the conditions of living much harsher. The people there usually feed on what the earth around them can offer and their “homes” are usually caves and rocks over the cliffs of the sea. These remote places administratively and spiritually are sheltered by a nearby monastery. A monk before retreating to this seclusive way of life has to obtain the permission, the blessing of the prior monk of the monastery.
The 20 monasteries are divided in five groups of four monasteries each. The monasteries have a hierarchy that goes back in time, according to their history, wealth and privileges obtained by the byzantine emperors. Representatives of each of the 20 monasteries reside in an annex (konáki) in Karies where they form the administrative command, the Holy Community.
Karyes is the administration of Mount Athos. It is the capital of the monastic community of Mount Athos, home of Proton (First), Holy Supervision, Holy Assembly. Karyes is a picturesque village, in the middle of the peninsula and has a magnificent view over the eastern Aegean coasts. It’s a community of residences (konaki) with workshops, shops, hostels and restaurants as well as a police station, a local clinic and a post office. The offices of Holy Community and Protaton (10th century) are the most impressive buildings in Karyes. The sanctuary has the miraculous icon of Virgin “Axion Esti”, the Virgin Mary of Mount Athos. The library contains 117 codes, lots of valuable printed books and the first Typiko (religious script) of Mount Athos, written on goat leather and signed by the Emperor Ioannis Tsimiskis.
The monks follow the old Julian calendar (13 days later) and the Byzantine time (O during the sunset, apart from the monks of Monastery Iviron, who count the hours based on the sunrise). Monasteries are closed by sunset and open again at sunrise. Before sunrise, the bell of every monastery rings the bell calling his brothers to the matins.
The 20 monasteries according to the hierarchy are:
Holy Monastery of Megistis Lavras. Megisti Lavra (The Great Lavra) is the oldest and biggest monastery of Mount Athos. It was founded in 963 by the monk Athanasios Athonitis with the financial support of the emperors Nikiphoros Phokas and Ioannis Tsimiskis. The monastery is dedicated to its founder, Agios Athanasios Athonitis and celebrates on the 5th/18th of July (according to the old-style calendar of Mount Athos). Megisti Lavra is a big complex of buildings that includes the superb Tower of Tsimiskis, located on a picturesque cliff, on the southeastern edge of Athos.
T. +30 23770 23754 | F. +30 23770 23762
iera.moni.megistis.layras@gmail.com
35kms from Karyes (7 hours)
Holy Monastery of Vatopedion (972)
T. +30 23778 88088 | F. +30 23778 88082
monastery@vatopedi.gr
filoxenia@vatopedi.gr|
Holy Monastery of Iviron (976). The Monastery Iviron is built on a picturesque area, in the middle of the eastern coast of Mount Athos, at a place which is said that Virgin Mary stopped to ask God to dedicate Mount Athos to herself.
Consequently, the monastery is dedicated to the Assumption, celebrated on the 15th of August (or 28th of August) while its founder was Ioannis Tornikios, the consultant of the emperor Vasillios II. The monastery was renamed when the Georgians monks from Iviron Monastery come to be students of Athanasios Athonitis. The monastery is surrounded by two towers that were used as a fort against the raids of the intruders. The one is placed in the courtyard (1626) and the other one in the cardinal monastery (1725).
www.imiviron.gr
T. +30 23770 23643 | F. +30 23770 23248
imiviron@gmail.com
7.5kms from Karyes (1.5 hours)
Holy Monastery of Chelandariou (1197, Serbian). The Monastery Chilandari is on the northern part of Mount Athos, surrounded by lush trees, known as fortress far away from the sea. Initially, in 1198, the emperor Alexios III, offered the monastery to a Serbian governor called Stephanos Nemania and his son, Ratsko, who proved to be a powerful man carrying out important responsibilities with great success. The monastery is dedicated to the day of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on November 21st / December 4th.
Tel.: +30 23770 23797
30kms from Karyes (6 hours)
The Monastery Dionysiou (1375) stands on a bluff cliff in a deep wooded ravine at the western coast of Athos. The monastery was founded by Agios Dionysios, it is dedicated to the Holy Prodromos and celebrates on June 24th and July 7th. Also, more than impressive is the Refectory of the monastery which has a nice wooden door and interesting wall paintings.
Tel.: +30 23770 23687, +30 23770 23-686
20kms from Karyes (4 hours)
Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou (12th Century). The Monastery of Koutloumousiou is situated in the northeastern area of Athos, close to Karyes while it was founded in the 10th century, though its patriarchal monastery was built in 1393. It is dedicated to the Metamorphosis of Jesus Christ, celebrated on the 6th / 19th of August. Moreover, in 1821, the leader of the Revolution in Macedonia, Emmanuel Papas, was declared as governor and supporter of Macedonia in this monastery.
Tel.: +30 23770 23226, +30 23770 23732
1km from Karyes (10 minutes)
Holy Monastery of Pantokratoros (1363). The Monastery of Pantocrator is placed at a rocky cliff by the sea, in the middle of the eastern coasts of Athos peninsula. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by the Byzantines Alexios and Ioannis with the support of Emperor Ioannis Paleologos Vand is dedicated to Metamorphosis of Jesus Christ, celebrated on the 6th/19th of August.
T. +30 23770 23880 | F. +30 23770 23685
filoxenia@pantokrator.gr
7.5kms from Karyes (1.5 hours)
Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou (11th Century)
Holy Monastery of Zographou (1270, Bulgarian)
T. +30 23770 23247 | F. +30 23770 23247
zografergo@gmail.com
Holy Monastery of Docheiariou (11th Century). Located in the northern area of the western side of the Athos peninsula, it was founded close the port of Daphni in the end of the 10th century by “dohiaris, a student of Athanasios Athonitis. Therefore, the monastery was later called Dohiarios. Though, it was destroyed by pirates, the monks struggled to rebuilt it. It is said that the high tower was also constructed in the early 17th century. The monastery is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, celebrated on the 8th / 21st of November.
Tel.: +30 23770 23245
15kms from Karyes (3 hours)
Holy Monastery of Karakalou (1070). The Monastery Karakallou has a glorious tower, located at a picturesque area with a stunning view over the Aegean Sea, at the southeastern side of Athos peninsula. The monastery was founded in the 11th century, by a monk named Karakalas. Some people also argue that the monastery was named after a Roman Emperor, Karakalas, who had built a tower at the same place (211-217). Even so, the monastery is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, celebrated on the 29th of June /12th of July.
Tel.: +30 23770 23225
17kms from Karyes (3.5 hours)
Holy Monastery of Philotheou (992). The Monastery of Philotheou is placed at the same location of ancient Asclipiion, in the eastern part of Athos, which is approximately an hour away from the harbor of Arsanas.
12kms from Karyes (2.5 hours)
T. +30 23770 23256 | F. +30 23770 23674
philotheou.filoxenia@gmail.com
Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras (1363)
T. +30 23770 23254 | F. +30 23750 94098
hospitality@simonopetra.gr
Holy Monastery of Agiou Pavlou (11th Century). The Monastery of Saint (Agios) Pavlos, located in the southern area of the western side of Athos peninsula, is composed of ten smaller monasteries which are built nearby the sea, surrounded by several castles and towers. Moreover, it is the only monastery that is close to the mountain Athos. The monastery is built around the 10th century by Monk Pavlos Xiropotaminos.
Tel.: +30 23770 23355, 23250
25kms from Karyes (5 hours)
Holy Monastery of Stavronikita (1542)
Holy Monastery of Xenophontos (1070)
T. +30 23770 23633 | F. +30 23770 23631
arhontariki@imxenophontos.gr
inxenofa@gmail.com
Holy Monastery of Grigoriou (14th Century). This is an imposing building standing out above the rocks of the southwestern side of Athos between Simonos Petra and the Monastery Dionysiou. It was founded in the 14th century while is dedicated to Agios Nikolaos is celebrated on the 6th /19th of December. The Holy Monastery was founded in the 14th century by the ascetic monk Gregorius Sinaitis. The present “Katholicon”, the main church was built in 1768, under the Athonite architecture. The Monastery possesses 279 manuscripts, other documents and approximately 4,000 printed books.
Tel.: +30 23770 23218, +30 23770 23670, +30 23770 23668
20kms from Karyes (4 hours)
Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou (11th Century). Founded around the 10th or 11th century and rests on the northwestern coast of the peninsula of the Holy Mountain. The Monastery’s main church is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord having eight chapels and seven exterior ones. Esphigmenou ‘s Monastery has suffered various times of pirate’s raids and destructive fires.
Among Esphigmenou’s treasures are relics of saints, the valuable cross of Pulcheria (Byzantine Empress), and a large part of Napoleon’s tent, which is used as a curtain for the sanctuary door of the “Katholikon”. Also, its library contains 372 manuscripts and more than 8,000 printed books.
Tel.: +30 23770 23796, +30 23770 23938
25kms from Karyes (5 hours)
Holy Monastery of Agiou Panteleimonos (1169, Russian). The Monastery of Saint (Agios) Panteleimon, also known as the Russian monastery, is built next to the sea, in the middle of the western coast of Mount Athos. When the monastery was founded in the 11th century, it was located at the eastern area. The present building complex, consisting of monumental buildings with a lot of floors, high vaults and big bells was built in 1765, when the old monastery of Agios Panteleimon was transferred from Paleomonastiro. It is dedicated to Agios Panteleimon, celebrated on the 27th of July / 9th of August.
T. +30 23770 23252 | F. +30 23770 23252
rpm.palomnik@gmail.com
15kms from Karyes (3 hours)
Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou (1086). The Monastery Konstamonitou is situated in a wooded area with unique natural beauty, at the northern part of Mount Athos, almost an hour walking from the sea. It was founded in the 4th century by Megas Konstantinos or by his son, Konstantas who finally gave its name to the monastery. Unfortunately, the monastery was burned in the 11th century and then rebuilt with the financial support of the Emperor Andronikos.
Tel.: +30 23770 23228
15kms from Karyes (3 hours)
Monastery of Hilandariou
T. +30 23770 23797 | F. +30 23770 23494
pilgrims@hilandar.org
Skiti Aghias Annis
T. +30 23770 23320
Nea Skiti
T. +30 23770 23351
Skiti Kafsokalivion
T. +30 23770 23319
Skiti Prodromou
T. +30 23770 23294
Skiti Aghiou Andrea
T. +30 23770 23810
Pilgrims who wish to stay overnight in the Holy Monasteries or Sketes must reserve a place beforehand.
Art. The devotion and love for God is expressed mainly through prayer. However this spirit is also present in the works of art – iconography, architecture, sculpture, carving and manuscripts’ copying.
The orthodox church does not decorate the churches with statues like the catholic belief. On the contrary, worship is channeled through icons, frescos and mosaics of the Virgin Mary, of saints, martyrs and various events of the orthodox tradition representing dogmatic and religious themes. Most of these works of art date from the 16th century and on. From the early works few remain. Some of the most important paintings can be found at the church of Protaton in Karies. The artist behind these works is Manouil Panselinos of Thessaloniki who lived in the 13th century. Many other beautiful icons and frescos also exist in the monasteries of Iviron, Vatopediou, Xenophontos, Chelandariou and others.
Sculpture plays a very small role in Agion Oros as it was considered a relic of idolatry. The pillars are usually crowned with a decorated capital, over main doors and over the ,entrances of the Catholicon. These were brought from other places and are often the ruins of earlier temples. Wood carving and handmade artifacts from gold and silver are common and intended for church and other adoration uses and also as reliquaries.
Despite the frequent pilferage, destructions and fires even today Agion Oros houses the most significant collection of micro-manuscripts. It is estimated that some 12.000 manuscripts on papyrus and paper are protected behind the thick walls of the monasteries’ libraries. They have biblical, theological, liturgical and secular themes. Most are adorned with beautiful decoration. The oldest ones date back to the 10th and 11th century.
Architecture. The monasteries follow a general outline of building with modifications according to the era, the cost and of course the topography of the place. Monasteries are built under the style of Byzantine architecture. The buildings are constructed with massive walls to create a defensive shield from pirates or other conquerors like a fort with heavy and strong fortification and in some occasions a moat, giving Athos a castle appearance. In the middle of the structure there is a courtyard, which includes the predominant building, the main church, the Catholicon (cardinal monastery), the Trapeza (refectory), Phiale (the basin for the blessing of the waters), monks quarters, the library, Archontaki (the guesthouse), the kitchen and numerous chapels. Next to the central church you will find the bell-towers and the domes. The “arsanas”, a small port that only monks have the access.
NOMAD MANIA Mount Athos (Agion Oros)
World Heritage Sites: Mount Athos
Religious Temples: Monasteries of Mount Athos
Ouranoupolis Tower, Ouranoupolis.
First mentioned in 1344, it is probably older. It was exempted from tax in 1379. The lower building was the first part built. The upper two levels date from the early Ottoman period after the earthquake of 1585. The wood parts of the interior and roof date from 1862. A fortified enclosure is attached to the on the east side of the tower and the northwest had a shipyard but the wharf is gone. It was owned by the Monastery of Vatopedi until 1924.
The museum has burial vessels from 1100 BC and two copper helmets from the Persian Wars (492-449BC) found in the sea of Athos. The settlements of Chalkikiki has coins, pots, jewelry and burial offerings from Early Christian and Post-Byzantine times.
Modern Ouranoupolis was marked by the arrival in 1923 of refugees from the Greek-Turkish war of 1922. The tower was occupied by the British-Australian couple, Sydney and Joyce Loch who looked after the tower for 50 years and wrote books about the town.
Ammouliani (Chalkidiki), In the NM “XL” series,