Easter in Agios Oros / Mount Athos

Time on Mount Athos runs according to the Julian calendar, abandoned by most of Western Europe in favour of the present-day Gregorian calendar during the sixteenth century. This means that dates in the monastic republic are ten days behind the rest of us. An Edict issued in 1060 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomachos, laid down strict conditions as to who might be admitted, and forbade females from ever crossing its border. This prohibition is still enforced, and no female may set foot on Agion Oros. Men wishing to visit the Holy Mountain are admitted by special permit only. The rest must be content to end their journey at Ouranoupolis. It is quite a large sophisticated resort and is known for its aquamarine waters and delightful beaches. Cruises around the Athos peninsula depart daily from Ouranoupolis. Further north still is Nea Roda. A couple of kilometres along the road from Nea Roda is the tiny port of Tripiti where you can get the ferry to the island of Amouliani, an attractive resort with adequate accommodation and camping facilities.
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