Karoulia
Καρούλια
A cluster of hermit caves and cliffside cells at the southern tip of the peninsula, where monks once hauled supplies up by pulley basket. It is the most extreme hermit community on Athos.
Karoulia means 'pulley.' Hermit monks live in small cells and caves on sea cliffs, and in the past they climbed up on iron chains and used baskets on pulleys to trade food with passing boats. The site is closed to visitors. You can only admire it from the trail along the southern tip of the peninsula or from a boat, and you should respect the monks' need for quiet. Access is limited to men with a Mount Athos entry permit (Diamonitirion). Most visitors combine it on foot with the Skete of Saint Anne and the Kafsokalyvia hermit village.
Opening hours
Not open for visits; view from a distance only
Nearby sights
- Skete of Saint Anne
- Agiou Pavlou Monastery
- Mount Athos Summit
- Dionysiou Monastery
- Osiou Grigoriou Monastery
- Simonopetra Monastery
- Great Lavra Monastery
- Karakalou Monastery