Saint Panteleimon

The Monastery of Saint Panteleimon (**Russian**) is the **Russian monastery** of Mount Athos — the most well-known of the non-Greek communities. It was originally founded in the **11th century**, but its current form was mainly shaped in the **18th-19th century** with Russian funding. Characteristic **green domes** of Byzantine-Russian architecture make it recognizable from the sea — one of the most photographed buildings on the Mount Athos sightseeing cruises. It was the largest monastery on Mount Athos in terms of the number of monks at the beginning of the 20th century — over **1,000 Russian monks** lived here before the historical upheavals. Today, the number is much smaller. It is located on the **southwestern coast** not far from Dafni — ideal for a visit immediately after arrival. It houses significant **Russian icons** and manuscripts, as well as a relic of Saint Panteleimon. For Russian Orthodox Christians, it holds special spiritual significance — a national pilgrimage for centuries. Access: boat or bus from Dafni (20-30 minutes). It welcomes visitors regardless of nationality.