Great Lavra Monastery
Μονή Μεγίστης Λαύρας
Founded in 963 by St. Athanasius, the oldest and highest-ranking monastery on Mount Athos, located at the southeastern tip of the peninsula.
Great Lavra is the first of Athos's twenty monasteries. Its katholikon (main church) preserves frescoes by Theophanes, a painter of the 16th-century Cretan school, and the refectory frescoes are equally fine. The library holds many Byzantine manuscripts. The monastery lies near Athos's main peak and is one of the starting points for the summit climb. Only men with a pilgrim's entry permit (Diamonitirion) may visit. Reach it by minibus from Karyes or by boat from the east coast. For an overnight stay, book in advance by phone.
Opening hours
Men with permits only; overnight stays require advance reservation; closes at sunset
Nearby sights
- Mount Athos Summit
- Skete of Saint Anne
- Karakalou Monastery
- Agiou Pavlou Monastery
- Karoulia
- Philotheou Monastery
- Dionysiou Monastery
- Iviron Monastery