Koutloumousiou: The Monastery by the Capital
A short walk from Karyes, the little capital of the Holy Mountain, Koutloumousiou sits among gardens and chestnut woods — close to the administrative heart of Athos yet entirely given to prayer.
Founded: late 13th century · Dedicated to: The Transfiguration of Christ
Koutloumousiou lies just outside Karyes, the administrative centre of Mount Athos, in the wooded interior of the peninsula. Founded in the late 13th century, it was richly endowed by the princes of Wallachia and holds sixth place among the twenty ruling monasteries.
Dedicated to the Transfiguration
The katholikon is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ and preserves important frescoes of the Cretan school and a treasury of relics and manuscripts.
At the heart of Athos
Its closeness to Karyes — where the Holy Community, the governing body of all twenty monasteries, meets — has always tied Koutloumousiou to the common life of the mountain.
On the Holy Mountain
Surrounded by vineyards and chestnut forest, it is a cenobitic monastery with a steady brotherhood.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Koutloumousiou monastery?
Just outside Karyes, the administrative capital of Mount Athos, in the wooded interior of the peninsula.
What is Koutloumousiou dedicated to?
The Transfiguration of Christ.
Who endowed Koutloumousiou?
The princes of Wallachia were among its great benefactors.