The architectural landscape of Mount Athos is truly a sight to behold. Comprising two quaint villages, Karyes and Daphne, twenty major monasteries, a variety of sketae, kellia, kathismata, hermitages, as well as separate towers, storage buildings, and boathouses, the architecture of Mount Athos captures a myriad of styles and periods.
The twenty Athonite monasteries, each with their unique character, are reminiscent of medieval cities. They are strategically located on steep terrains, fortified by robust walls, featuring one or two entrances, and a vast courtyard.
The courtyard houses the primary church, the katholikon, along with a phiale (used for blessing waters), refectory, multiple chapels, monks’ cells, abbot's quarters, and other supporting buildings.
Various architectural styles, periods, and influences are evident within these monastic complexes, reflecting the generosity of emperors, high-ranking officials, and princes who funded their construction and maintenance.
Towers, integral to many monasteries, serve as defensive structures. Positioned centrally or at the highest points, these towers were useful for monitoring potential pirate attacks and providing refuge when the monastery was under threat.
Certain boathouses also feature these watchtowers. Constructed as square edifices, they house internal staircases, a top chapel, and defense features such as loopholes and machicolations.
Every monastery typically has a single main entrance, sometimes two. These entrances are commonly under defensive towers and feature sturdy timber doors, fortified with iron and secured internally with cross-bars. The keys to these doors are held by the abbot overnight, and the doors are opened at sunrise.
The monks' accommodations are compact, usually arranged as rectangular or square rooms in rows across several floors, interconnected by arched corridors. Constructed from stone or brick, these cell wings surround the monastery's courtyard.
Close to the entrance of each monastery is the guesthouse, a hospitable space designed for pilgrims. It includes sleeping areas, reception rooms, a kitchen, and restrooms to ensure a comfortable stay for the visitors.
The katholikon, the main church of each monastery, embodies a triconchal cross-in-square design. Every katholikon consists of essential church components: a narthex, naos, and sanctuary. Despite some variations across different monasteries, these structures adhere to the foundational layout of Athonite architecture.
The churches built with Russian funding in the 19th century, such as in Panteleimon Monastery and the Skete of St Andrew, stand as exceptions with their significantly large structures and gold-covered onion domes, indicative of Russian church architecture.
The interior of these main churches often features semidome-roofed apses at the end of the inscribed cross's north and south arms. The third semidome-roofed apse usually forms the sanctuary. The floor and walls up to a certain height are adorned with precious marble. Above this, the walls showcase thematic frescoes.
Notable features also include the older wooden iconostases (up to the 14th century), and more recent ones made of wood or marble, exhibiting Baroque influences. The exterior of the churches usually boasts a classic red paint, while some monasteries leave the cloisonné masonry bare.
The architecture of the main churches (kyriaka) of the skatae was similar to the monastic katholika until the mid-18th century. These churches are less conservative in style, with simpler masonry, heavier dome and apse proportions, and occasional incorporation of Islamic pointed arches.
In addition to the main church, each monastery features various chapels dedicated to Christ, the Virgin, and different saints. These can be found within the main church, towers, boathouses, cell wings, standalone structures in courtyards, or near the monastery gate.
The monastic refectory is the second most important structure after the katholikon. Here, the monks gather after the Divine Liturgy. Usually positioned on the ground floor opposite the katholikon, the refectory is surrounded by auxiliary areas such as the kitchen, bakehouse, and storerooms.
A myriad of additional structures within and outside the monastery grounds contribute to the architectural wonder of Mount Athos, such as infirmaries, libraries, bathhouses, storerooms, kiosks, stables, mills, cemeteries, charnel houses, and boathouses.
Finally, an interesting aspect of Athonite architecture is the boathouse, often featuring an associated tower. Serving as docking and storage spaces for boats, these structures add to the impressive architectural profile of the Athonite monasteries.
