It is the most imposing monastery, as its foundations are rooted on a steep rock 333 meters high on the southwestern side of Mount Athos. It is known to pilgrims as Simonopetra and is only 15 minutes by car from Dafni. Its view leaves visitors stunned, as it seems to float between earth and sky. It is a marvelous architectural achievement.
The building complex, with a total area of 7,000 sq.m., extends over seven floors with many balconies. The history of the monastery dates back to the mid-14th century, although tradition holds that it was founded in the 11th century by the hermit Saint Simon. The financial support in 1364 from the Serbian ruler of Serres, Ioannis Ounglesis, led to the expansion of the building, while his supremacy was confirmed with a founder’s chrysobull.
The monastery was protected from various malicious invaders due to its inaccessible location, but it was often nearly destroyed by fires, such as those in 1580, 1622, and 1891, when the catholicon and the library were burned. With their sweat, the monks rebuilt the multi-story wings hanging above the rock from the ashes over the years, causing vertigo.
The small lead-covered Catholicon of the Nativity of Christ occupies the small courtyard at the top of the rock. The pilgrim notices that there are no frescoes, as they were destroyed in the 1891 fire when the “Liti” (the spacious narthex of monastic churches) collapsed, and the library on the second floor was incinerated. We owe the detailed description of the approximately 250 manuscripts stored there to the historian Spyridon Lampros. A characteristic feature of the architectural ensemble is the aqueduct with its two rows of arches, which have been built and repaired at different times.
Inside, there are the chapels of Saint George, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Haralambos, and the Archangels. There are also many chapels in the cemetery, the arsanas, and various seats and sketes. They suffered damage from the great fire in August 1990. It holds the 13th position in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries.
Text: Dr. Antonios G. Dikaios / Theologian – Environmentalist.
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