There are places and sites we’d love to visit but simply cannot. Sometimes they’ve vanished due to human folly or nature’s whims, but more often their access is no longer feasible because they’re now located in war zones or regions completely off-limits to tourism. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re permanently closed or that things will never change, but still.
Then there are a few that are forbidden for very specific reasons, like Mount Athos in Greece.
What and where are the Mount Athos monasteries?
Located in northeastern Greece, just a few dozen miles east of the city of Thessaloniki, Mount Athos is a mountainous peninsula that extends far into the Aegean Sea. For centuries, it has been home to twenty monasteries where approximately 2,000 Orthodox monks live. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, most of these monasteries are nestled in stunning natural surroundings that give them their unique charm.
It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place and a major center of spirituality, but access remains heavily regulated. You need a special permit to visit, and the site has always been forbidden to women and anyone under 21. However, for those who want to see what the place looks like without restrictions (though from a distance), small boat trips allow you to get close to the six monasteries visible from the sea.
Why such an outdated ban?
As you might imagine, the main reason women are banned from Mount Athos relates to the monastic purpose of the place. The monks who live there have taken vows of celibacy and chastity. The prohibition of female presence is seen as a way to preserve this ideal and encourage focus on prayer and meditation. This isn’t new either – the ban reportedly dates back to 1060 AD and is written into Mount Athos’s operating rules. It’s called “abaton,” which in Greek means “inaccessible place.”
Furthermore, according to ancient texts, the location is also considered the “Garden of the Virgin Mary.” This means no other woman is allowed to enter. And when we say “woman,” it’s worth clarifying that the text means female in the broadest sense, as it includes “all female vertebrate domestic creatures except hens for eggs and female cats for catching mice.” You couldn’t be clearer than that, especially since theoretically any violation of this rule can lead to up to one year in prison.
As for hoping that things might change or at least evolve someday, that’s hardly likely. Not least because the place is autonomous and doesn’t fall under the authority of the Greek government (let alone the European Union), but under that of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (in Istanbul), which remains the highest Orthodox authority. In short, the monks can do what they want beyond that and perpetuate their laws and regulations… even if some are decidedly backward.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
