The Holy Monastery of Hilandar, located on the Athos Peninsula in Greece, is one of the twenty Eastern Orthodox monasteries on Mount Athos. It holds immense significance, particularly for the Serbian Orthodox Church, as it was founded by Saint Sava and his father, Saint Simeon, the medieval ruler of Serbia, in 1198. Known for its deep historical and spiritual roots, Hilandar Monastery has been a focal point of Serbian culture and Orthodoxy for over 800 years.
The Simonos Petras Monastery, also known as Simonopetra, is one of the most striking monasteries on Mount Athos, Greece. Built on a steep cliff about 330 meters above the Aegean Sea, this Eastern Orthodox monastery seems almost to float above the water, creating an unforgettable sight with its dramatic, cliffside architecture. Founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon the Myrrhbearer, the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Christ.