ΚΟΜΙΤΣΑ - NΕΑ ΡΟΔΑ ΧΑΛΚΙΔΙΚΗΣ 23770 31577 - 23770 31 800

MOUNT ATHOS

A World Heritage Site and an autonomous state, Mount Athos includes 20 orthodox monasteries.

Athon in Greek mythology is one of the Titans who fought against the ancient gods. During the great battle of the Titans, Athon threw a huge rock against Neptune, who fell into the sea and shaped the Mount of Athonas (Athos).

According to the tradition, as the Virgin Mary traveled to Cyprus with John the Baptist to visit Lazarus, the boat they were traveling deviated and they both were found in the Athos area.

ANCIENT STAGIRA
Aristotle's Birthplace

Ancient Stagira is one of the most important cities of ancient Halkidiki, located close to the city of Olympiad. It was founded in 655 BC by Ionian settlers, the birthplace of ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, born in 385 BC. Stagira participated in the 1st Athenian alliance and later in the Halkidian Community.

Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, demolished the city during the war of Olynthos in 349 BC. and rebuilt it in the name of Aristotle, whom he deeply appreciated. According to other sources, the city was probably rebuilt by Alexander the Great himself

TOWER OF PROSPHORION OURANOUPOLI

Ouranoupolis (Heaven city) is the city that welcomes the pilgrims and prepares them for their spiritual journey to Mount Athos, and so its name. The Tower of Prosphorion, the largest monumental building of Chalkidiki, was built in 1344 by the Vatopedi Monastery to protect Ouranoupolis from pirates and was funded by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II.

In May 1379, the domesticus (great chanter) of Thessaloniki, Ioannis Palaiologos, was hosted in the tower. Later, the tower hosted migrants from Asia Minor in 1924. Nowadays, the tower is a museum that hosts exhibitions of Byzantine art.

THE PARK OF ARISTOTLE

Aristotle, the world-renowned ancient philosopher, whose theories influenced the course of history and shaped the modern world, was born in Stagira in 384 BC.

Aristotle studied logic, metaphysics, physics, ethics, political philosophy, zoology, psychology, literature, and aesthetics. He was a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great.

OTHER LOCAL SITES

  • Amouliani: a small island with golden sandy beaches, restaurants and the famous beach of “Alykes”.
  • Ouranoupolis: A village full of life, ideal for a night walk or dinner.
  • Zygos Monastery: The oldest monastery on the third leg of Halkidiki, located just before the border of Mount Athos, just 2 kilometers outside Ouranoupolis, was founded in the beginning of the 10th century.

LOCAL MUSEUMS

  • Ierissos Cultural Center: Hosts a 3D cinema that guides the visitor to the monasteries of Mount Athos. The Center also hosts an exhibition area.
  • Historical-Folklore Museum of Arnea: Presents photographic material from the village’s life, objects and tools; utensils, crates, agricultural and beekeeping tools, the first radio in Arnea, coffee sets, woodworking tools, the famous woven fabrics of Arnea and more.