Vatopedi

The Monastery of Vatopedi is the **second in rank** monastery of Mount Athos and one of the wealthiest — it has over **130 monks**, making it one of the largest communities on Mount Athos. It was founded around **972 A.D.** according to official Athonite sources, although some historians place its founding earlier. It is located on the **northwestern coast** of the peninsula, at a small harbor (Vatopedi) that allows direct access by sea — one of the most visited monasteries due to this accessibility. It houses treasures of international significance: the **Belt of the Virgin Mary** (according to tradition, the belt of the Theotokos) is housed here. The library contains over **2,000 manuscripts** — among them rare Byzantine mathematical and astronomical texts. The monastery's treasury, displayed in a special area, includes gospels, episcopal vestments, and relics of saints. The architecture is considered among the most impressive of Mount Athos: three catholicons, many chapels, a 10th-century tower, and a characteristic bell tower visible from the sea. For male pilgrims: Vatopedi hosts a large number of visitors. Access is by boat from Daphne (45 minutes) or by land (2-3 hours of hiking from Karyes).