A series of earthquakes have damaged centuries-old monasteries in Mount Athos, a sacred site in northern Greece known for its importance to Orthodox Christians.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.3, hit the Mount Athos area on June 7. Since then, several smaller tremors, both undersea and on land, have continued to shake the region. According to Greece’s Culture Ministry, one of the worst-hit sites is the Monastery of Xenophon, which was built in the late 10th century. The quakes caused deep cracks in its dome and damaged religious wall paintings (frescoes) there and in other nearby monasteries.
Mount Athos is a unique and important religious community. It is home to 20 Orthodox Christian monasteries and is often called the “Holy Mountain.” The area is self-governed under Greek control and has strict rules — for example, women are not allowed to enter.
Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, said they understand how valuable Mount Athos is historically, culturally, and spiritually. She promised that repairs will follow proper scientific and ethical methods. Work to fix the buildings and restore the artwork will now be increased and sped up.
A more detailed report on the damage is expected next week.
Seismology expert Professor Emmanuel Scordilis said the continuing small quakes are likely aftershocks. He also noted that the fault line in the region is not expected to cause quakes stronger than a 6.0 magnitude.
