The Vatopedi Monastery, ranked second among the twenty monasteries of Mount Athos, was founded in the 10th century by three noblemen from Thrace: Saints Nicholas, Athanasius, and Anthony. Located on the northeastern coast of the Athos peninsula, it is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, though it was initially consecrated to the Virgin herself. According to tradition, the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius the Great rebuilt the monastery in gratitude for the miraculous rescue of his son Arcadius—an event attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, the monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably after a devastating fire in 1966.
Vatopedi houses important relics, including the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, believed to have healing powers, and seven revered Marian icons, such as the Panagia Paramythia and Vimatarissa. The monastery is renowned for its 14th-century Macedonian School frescoes, a rich collection of mosaics, and a historic library containing over 2,000 manuscripts and 60,000 books. With 33 chapels, two sketes (Saint Demetrios and Saint Andrew), numerous cells, and a thriving monastic population of over 160 monks and novices, Vatopedi remains a living center of Orthodox spirituality, heritage, and theological tradition.
- Address
Karyes 630 86, Greece - Web
https://www.vatopedi.gr/ - Visiting Hours
See here https://www.athoszone.com/odigies-gia-proskynites/ - What to see
Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary and seven revered Marian icons
