Zografou

The **Zografou Monastery** is the **Bulgarian monastery** of Mount Athos — one of the three non-Greek communities of the Athonite state. It was founded in the **9th-10th century** and holds the **9th position** in the Hierarchy. The name "Zografou" (= "of the painter") is linked to a legend: according to tradition, an icon of Saint George was painted **by itself without the hand of a man** — hence it was named the monastery of Zografou. This icon is kept in the monastery and is its most important relic. It is located in the **northwestern part** of the peninsula, in a wooded environment. Access is more time-consuming compared to other monasteries. The monastery holds particular significance for Bulgarian Orthodox Christians — it is a national monument and a spiritual center of the Bulgarian diaspora. The library houses important Bulgarian manuscripts (10th-18th centuries). For pilgrims: Zografou welcomes visitors regardless of nationality. Access from Daphne: boat to Zografou or hiking via Konstamonitou (2-3 hours). Its isolation gives it a unique spiritual atmosphere.