Esphigmenou Monastery
Ιερά Μονή Εσφιγμένου
A monastery on Athos's northeast coast, right next to the beach. It is known for its long-running conflict with the Ecumenical Patriarch, and it can be reached on the coastal trail.
Esphigmenou Monastery sits in a bay on the northeast coast of the peninsula. Its buildings stand right on the beach and look like a square fortress. Most of what remains was rebuilt in the 19th century, and the main church is dedicated to the Ascension of Jesus. Starting in the 1970s, the monks opposed the Ecumenical Patriarch's dialogue with the Catholic Church and clashed with church authorities for many years. They once hung a banner reading 'Orthodoxy or Death,' which led to years of lawsuits. Check the current visitor arrangements before you go. The monastery lies between Vatopedi and Chilandar, and each stretch of the coastal trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You need an entry permit. Access is for men only, and you should contact the monastery in advance if you want to stay overnight.
Opening hours
Follows monastery schedule; closes after sunset
Nearby sights
- Hilandar Monastery
- Zograf Monastery
- Konstamonitou Monastery
- Vatopedi Monastery
- Dochiariou Monastery
- Xenophontos Monastery
- St. Panteleimon Monastery (Rossikon)
- Karyes & Protaton Church