There are 20 monasteries and 12 sketes (submonasteries) on Mount Athos peninsula. The monk’s republic separated from the world exists already more then thousand years…
From the beginning women are not allowed to enter their terittory.
Men have to apply for the permit – your chances will be better if you will do it 6 months in advance.
If you are lucky (10 permists per day only for the foreigners) leave home your vidoo camera and your shorts (strictly prohibited) and report the day before your term in their office in Ouranoupolis.
I feel like a chosen one… You can enter the republic on the speedboat (the decks are closed – not for me!) or by ferry. Big ferry is broken, but there is also a little one “Agia Anna” departing tomorrow before sunrise. This is my choice! I know that there is no electricity in some monasteries so I do not expect internet to be available. Do not panic, if I will not write during next 4 days. New adventure starts tomorrow!
