Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula in northeastern Greece and an important centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.

How old is Mount Athos?

An Orthodox spiritual centre since the 10th century, Mount Athos has enjoyed a self-administered status since Byzantine times. Its first constitution was signed in 972 by the emperor John I Tzimiskes. The 'Holy Mountain', which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site.

How was Mount Athos formed?

According to mythology, Athos was a Thracian giant who, during the battle of the Gods and the Giants, threw a huge rock on the God of the Sea, Poseidon. The rock, which slipped from his fingers and fell into the sea, created a piece of land, now known as Mount Athos.