It is one of the most elegant and beautiful monasteries of the Holy Mountain, sited by the sea. One sees first the Refectoty (old and new) and ends at the uppermost
point on a high tower which dominates the place. The Katholikon, which is equally
high, has been built over the walls of the older church.
The monastery was founded during the second half of the 10th century;
its foundation is attributed to Euthymios, a pupil of Saint Athanasius of the
Great Lavra, who had the service of the "Docheion" (vessel), which gave the name
to the monastery. The Katholicon and the Refectory were built and decorated with
frescoes in the mid 16th century (1568). The wall-paintings of the Refectory are
dated in 1675 and in 1700 (the northern part).
Apart from the 16th century frescoes in the Katholicon, there are
also important frescoes of the 18th century in the exonarthex, which are excellent
copy of the 14th century from other monuments. Equally remarkable is also the
library of the monastery, where one can find, apart from the most important historic
monuments, abour 900 manuscripts.
The monastery is inhabited by a very active group of monks who take
care of its various needs -especially the hospitality to pilgrims and scholars.
Byzantine & Post-Byzantine Monuments
Art & culture
On site monuments
Monastery: Middle Byzantine period, AD 610-1204
Churches: Post-Byzantine period, 1453-1821
Tower: Late Byzantine period, AD 1204-1453
Frescoes
Cultural Heritage
World Heritage Monument (UNESCO)
Executives & Departments
Archaeological service:, 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, Agion Oros Office, Karyes, Tel.: 23770 24015, Fax: 23770 24015, Email: Requires Login as Tourism Professional
Information office, Representation, Tel.: 23770 23271