Athos, Monastery of Chelandari

To Serbs gift everlasting, wrote the golden seal of Alexios III Komnenos for the invisible. from the coast, monastery of Chelandari. Its building complex is one of the mountain's most beautiful. It is also the second largest monastery of Mount Athos, with many heirlooms, old Slavic codes and a valuable collection of icons, among which is the icon of Panagia Tricherousa.

The monastery existed since the 10th century but at the end of the 12th century, came Serbian monks led by Prince Rastiko and prevailed. In the 18th century and while the Serbs were busy with the Muslims, the monastery turned to become Bulgarian. However, after a visit by the Serbian King, its’ reinforcement was decided and the Serbian element recovered.

Externally, the monastery gives the impression of a fortress, with its fortification enclosure, the layout of its buildings and two towers. Another tower is outside the monastery to the north, going to its port, Milutin's tower.

Although there is the tradition that the monastery takes its name from the Byzantine “Chalandio” ship, it was probably the founder (chilandar in Serbian). Dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin, from the 13th century it became the spiritual and religious center of the Serbian people.

Paleologists, Serbs and Russians have benefited it. Serbian monks supported Mount for integration with Greece, especially in the Balkan wars.

One can only admire the harmonious layout, the clear Byzantine architectural features, the plasticity and the bonding of colors with the environment of Athos.