Venerable Moni Xenofondos was first mentioned in 998, but probably dates to the 6th century. Although loot-seeking pirates often plundered it, impressive mid-Byzantine marble and wood-carved iconostases survive in its 10th-century katholikon, as do 16th-century frescoes of the Cretan painter Antonius. It's a short walk from here to equally lovely Dochiariou, should you wish to take a short day-trip by ferry.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.89 MILES
Spectacular Moni Simonos Petras rears seven stone-and-wood-fronted storeys above the west coast of Athos. Shorn of frescoes, icons and precious books by…
23.63 MILES
Greece's largest organic winery, Porto Carras was founded in 1970, and now grows 28 different grapes across 47.5 hilly square kilometres on Sithonia's…
0.65 MILES
One of the most elegant and revered monasteries on Athos, 10th-century Dochiariou boasts beautiful buildings, frescoes from the 16th- to the 18th…
5.69 MILES
Founded by Georgian monks in the 10th century, this monastery enjoyed 16th-century prosperity, which accounts for its collection of more than 2000…
12.37 MILES
Pre-eminent amongst Athos' monasteries, this magnificent 10th-century complex is the peninsula's largest; it houses founder St Athanasios' tomb, and a…
8 MILES
A tranquil cliff-hanging monastery dating to the 14th century, Dionysiou sustains a community of around 50 monks, and shelters some very precious books…
6.8 MILES
Spilling down to the water in a cluster of stone buildings dating at the earliest to the 14th century, Athos' most inhabited monastery is kept humming by…
10.12 MILES
The only Athos monastery accessible by women (it sits just beyond the border), the quiet, atmospheric ruins of 10th-century Zyrgou are a short drive (or…
Nearby Macedonia attractions
0.65 MILES
One of the most elegant and revered monasteries on Athos, 10th-century Dochiariou boasts beautiful buildings, frescoes from the 16th- to the 18th…
5.69 MILES
Founded by Georgian monks in the 10th century, this monastery enjoyed 16th-century prosperity, which accounts for its collection of more than 2000…
5.89 MILES
Spectacular Moni Simonos Petras rears seven stone-and-wood-fronted storeys above the west coast of Athos. Shorn of frescoes, icons and precious books by…
6.8 MILES
Spilling down to the water in a cluster of stone buildings dating at the earliest to the 14th century, Athos' most inhabited monastery is kept humming by…
8 MILES
A tranquil cliff-hanging monastery dating to the 14th century, Dionysiou sustains a community of around 50 monks, and shelters some very precious books…
10.12 MILES
The only Athos monastery accessible by women (it sits just beyond the border), the quiet, atmospheric ruins of 10th-century Zyrgou are a short drive (or…
11.48 MILES
The 14th-century tower that is Ouranoupoli's most distinctive landmark was augmented by the Byzantines, and reportedly holds helmets, burial vessels and…
12.37 MILES
Pre-eminent amongst Athos' monasteries, this magnificent 10th-century complex is the peninsula's largest; it houses founder St Athanasios' tomb, and a…