The Great Lavra: Where Athonite Monasticism Began
Every monastery on the Holy Mountain traces its order back, in some way, to this one. The Great Lavra is the oldest monastery on Athos and the first in rank — the place where organised monasticism on the peninsula began.
Founded: 963 · Dedicated to: The Dormition of Saint Athanasios
The Great Lavra (Megisti Lavra) stands at the south-eastern tip of the peninsula, beneath the great cone of Mount Athos itself. It was founded in 963 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite, with the support of the Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros Phokas, and it set the pattern of cenobitic — communal — monastic life that the other monasteries would follow.
First among twenty
Of the twenty ruling monasteries of Athos, the Great Lavra holds the first place in the sacred hierarchy. Its katholikon, the main church, became the model for Athonite church architecture, and within its walls lie the tomb and relics of Saint Athanasios himself.
A thousand years unbroken
Unlike many monasteries that suffered destruction and refounding, the Great Lavra has never been destroyed and has kept an unbroken life for more than a thousand years. It guards an immense library and treasury and remains one of the largest communities on the mountain.
On the Holy Mountain
It sits at the foot of the climb to the 2,033-metre summit of Athos — the ascent filmed in the third journey of the series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Great Lavra?
The oldest monastery on Mount Athos and first in rank of the twenty ruling monasteries, founded in 963 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite.
Who founded the Great Lavra?
Saint Athanasios the Athonite, with the support of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas, in 963.
Why is the Great Lavra important?
It began organised communal monasticism on Athos, holds first place among the twenty monasteries, and has lived unbroken for over a thousand years.