# Orthodox Monasteries Outside Mount Athos > Halkidiki has an exceptionally rich Orthodox monastic tradition. Beyond the famous Mount Athos (which is a closed state of 20 monasteries), there are notable monasteries throughout the region — many of which are accessible... **Halkidiki** has an exceptionally rich Orthodox monastic tradition. Beyond the famous Mount Athos (which is a closed state of 20 monasteries), there are notable monasteries throughout the region — many of which are accessible and active today. This is an important and often underrated aspect of Halkidiki, with a history of over 1,000 years and remarkable works of art. ## Mount Athos — Monastic State **Mount Athos** (the third leg of Halkidiki) is an autonomous monastic state with **20 active monasteries** and around 2,000 monks. Continuous monastic presence since the 9th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. **Visit**: - Men with **accommodation permit** (approval from the Pilgrims' Office in Thessaloniki): 30-35 euros, application 1-3 months in advance - Women: **only cruise** from Ouranoupoli or Ierissos, 25-35 euros, duration 3-5 hours See our dedicated guide to Mount Athos for more information. ## Monasteries Outside Athos — Accessible to All ### 1. Monastery of Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria (Vasilika) Located in central Halkidiki, 8 km from Galatista. One of the **most important women's monasteries** in Northern Greece. Founded in the 14th century and has a continuous presence. It hosts around 50 nuns and is an important pilgrimage center for **Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria** — the patron saint of those suffering from psychological issues and addictions. - Open to visitors daily (hours vary) - Free admission - Cathedral with notable frescoes - Accommodation for pilgrims - Tradition of producing Athonite tsipouro and other products ### 2. Monastery of Ormylia (Holy Trinity) In Ormylia, central Halkidiki. A **women's monastery** with modern organization — founded in 1974 as a dependency of the Athonite monastery of Simonopetra. Today it has over 100 nuns, making it one of the **largest women's monasteries in Europe**. - Open to visitors - Tradition of producing icons, psalter - Numerous coastal buildings - Good accommodation for pilgrims ### 3. Monastery of Archangel (near Polygyros) A small men's monastery in a mountainous location. Less known, but noteworthy. ### 4. Monastery of the Virgin Mary Faneromeni (Pefkochori) At an altitude above Pefkochori. A modern monastery with a beautiful location. ### 5. Dependencies of Mount Athos Outside the Peninsula Many monasteries of Mount Athos have dependencies (estates and buildings) in various parts of Halkidiki — Nea Fokea, Kalandra, Sarti. Some are accessible. ## Behavior in a Monastery In all Greek Orthodox monasteries, there are rules regarding dress and behavior: - **Women**: long skirt (covering knees and below), long sleeves or a tunic covering the shoulders. No trousers. It’s better to cover your head inside the cathedral. - **Men**: long trousers, long-sleeved shirt. No shorts, sleeveless shirts. No hats inside the churches. - **Photography**: usually allowed outdoors, generally not inside the cathedrals. Always ask first. - **Silence**: during services and in the cells. Do not make noise. - **Tip**: customary but not obligatory. At the iconostasis or at the reception. ## Best Time to Visit The monasteries are open to visitors year-round, but: - **May-June and September-October**: milder weather, fewer pilgrims - **Summer**: hot, more crowded - **Major holidays** (Easter, Assumption): full liturgical presence, but crowded ## How to Combine in an Itinerary A "spiritual Halkidiki" trip of 2-3 days: - **Day 1**: Monastery of Ormylia + Monastery of Saint Anastasia - **Day 2**: Mount Athos cruise from Ouranoupoli - **Day 3** (for men with accommodation permit): visit 2-3 monasteries within Athos ## Who Will Find This Interesting - Orthodox pilgrims - Fans of Byzantine art and architecture - Those interested in history and culture - Visitors seeking a "different" experience beyond the beaches - Monument photographers ## Practical notes for international visitors The monasteries outside Athos are the accessible alternative for everyone — women and families included: living Orthodox spirituality without permit bureaucracy. Rewarding even for the secular visitor as architecture, history and stillness. The dress code is taken seriously (long trousers or skirts, covered shoulders — wraps often at the door); ask before photographing interiors, and plan around midday closing. --- Source: Type: BlogPosting · Halkidiki, Greece