description Simonopetra Monastery Overview
Simonopetra Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos in Greece, founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon. The monastery is dramatically situated on a steep cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, featuring multi-story buildings with wooden balconies that appear to hang from the rock face. Simonopetra follows the coenobitic monastic tradition and ranks seventh in the hierarchy of the 20 monasteries on Mount Athos. The monastery has suffered multiple fires throughout its history, with significant reconstructions occurring in the 16th and 20th centuries.
help Simonopetra Monastery FAQ
Where is Simonopetra Monastery located on Mount Athos?
Simonopetra Monastery is built dramatically on the steep, rocky southern cliff face of Mount Athos in Greece. It is visually renowned for its multi-tiered wooden balconies that jut out over the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Who founded Simonopetra Monastery?
The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon the Myrrh-bearer. Legend dictates that Simon saw a star hovering over the cliff on Christmas Eve, which inspired him to build the monastery on this perilous rock.
What rank does Simonopetra hold among the monasteries of Mount Athos?
Simonopetra ranks thirteenth in the official hierarchy of the 20 ruling monasteries on Mount Athos. It is a coenobitic monastery, meaning the monks share all property and follow a strict communal life under a single abbot.
What significant fire or disaster impacted Simonopetra?
Over the centuries, Simonopetra suffered multiple devastating fires, notably in 1580 and 1891. After each catastrophe, the monastery was meticulously rebuilt, largely funded by the rulers of Wallachia and Moldavia in Eastern Europe.
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