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Scholars differ widely about the origin of the name Esphigmenou. Some say that it is derived from the site of the monastery, which is hemmed in by the three hills of Zoodochos Pege, Samareia and Grimpovitsa.
The monastery of Vatopedi is the second oldest monastery on Athos (year 972)
Chelandari lies on the north-east side of the peninsula and is the most northerly of the Athonite monasteries.
Pantokrator is built on a headland lashed by the stormy waters of the north-east side of the peninsula.
One of the most picturesquely sited monastery on the Holy Mountain, hidden from the sea in the depths of a green forest above the Singitic Gulf.
The monastery of Zographou lies on the top of a rise, tucked into a woody fold, hidden from the sea. According to tradition Zographou was founded in the 19th century, during the reign of the Emperor Leo VI the Wise, by three brothers, all monks, who came
Stavronikita is built on a levelled headland above the sea, approximately in the centre of the north-east shore of the peninsula.
An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The Holy Mountain, which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site.
Karies is the so called "capitol city" of the monks republic of Athos. It is the seat of the Protós (the First), to the spiritual leader of all monasteries of the monk\'s republic which is elected by the meeting of the abbots in each case on lifetime.
The monastery of Iveron is situated above a picturesque inlet on the north-eastern side of the peninsula, close to the site of the earlier lavra of St Clement.
The monastery Koutloumousiou is situated very close to Karyes, the "capital-city" of the Mount Athos community. First time it was mentioned in a paper from 1169 and from 14th century on it existes in the shape we see today.
The monastery of Xenophontos was probably established in the tenth century. It is built on a low hill close to the sea, between monasteries of Docheiariou and St Panteleimon.
Tradition says that the monastery was founded in the second half of the 12th century by Euthymios, supposedly a disciple of St Athanasios. He was docheiares at Great Lavra, that is to say he was in charge of oil and other foodstuffs there.
Tradition has it that the first foundation was that of the Roman Emperor Caracalla( 212-217), after whom it was named.
founded in the last quarter of the 10th century.
Dedicated to St.Panteleimon, this monastery is also known as ton Rosson(of the Russians), the coenobium of the Kallimachides or simply Roussikon.
Xeropotamou occupies a prominent ridge in the middle of the peninsula above the road from Daphne to Karyes.