Святая Гора Афон, государство монахов.

#greece #travel #mountains The Holy Mount Athos is located on the Chalkidiki peninsula in northeastern Greece. It is washed by the Aegean Sea on three sides. The height of the mountain is 2033 m. The peninsula is covered with dense forests and pitted with ravines. People get here mainly by sea or by helicopter. You can also get to Athos by land, but only on foot and in exceptional cases, for example, if there is an emergency or a severe storm at sea. The fact is that, in addition to the difficult terrain, Athos is separated from the rest of the world by a strictly guarded border surrounded by a high fence. Many pilgrims and guests of Athos climb to the top of the Holy Mountain, where the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located and a massive metal cross is installed - one of the Athonite shrines. The ascent is carried out on foot with special sticks or on mules. There are two main routes to the top: one is steeper and shorter, the other is flatter and longer. The average ascent time is 6-8 hours.