At the Summit of Athos — 2,033 Metres Above the Sea
Athos is not only monasteries. It is also a mountain that rises sharply out of the Aegean and reaches 2,033 metres. At its summit stands a small chapel — and the road up there is a pilgrimage in itself.
The summit · 2,033 metres
The marble peak of Athos stands out from miles away. As you climb, you leave behind the forests and the monastery paths and emerge onto bare rock, where the weather can change in minutes.
The Chapel at the Summit
At the highest point stands the chapel of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Built on bare rock at 2,033 metres, it is one of the most extreme places of worship in Greece. A little lower down, on the way to the summit, you come upon the chapel of the Virgin, the traditional staging post for pilgrims before the final ascent.
The Climb
This is no stroll. It is hours of hiking over steep ground, with the wind growing stronger the higher you go. Many set off at night to reach the summit at first light — and up there, with the sea spreading out all around, you understand why they call it the "Holy" Mountain.
The Feast of the Transfiguration
On the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration, pilgrims climb to the summit for a liturgy in the small chapel — a service at 2,033 metres, under the open sky.
The third part of the series makes this entire ascent — from the paths to the bare rock of the summit. It is the episode that, though newer, nearly matched the first travelogue in views: the summit of Athos draws people in.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the summit of Mount Athos?
2,033 metres — the highest point of the peninsula.
Can you climb to the summit of Athos?
Yes, on foot. At the summit stands the chapel of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, where a Liturgy is held on 6 August.