Iviron Monastery, Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos, Greece
Iviron Monastery is an Orthodox men's monastery on the northeast coast of the Athos peninsula in Greece. The complex rises several floors with galleries surrounding a central courtyard where the main church stands.
The monastery was founded in 980 by Georgian monks who came from their homeland. The early centuries brought several reconstructions and expansions after fires and earthquakes damaged the buildings.
The library preserves rare Georgian manuscripts and texts that reflect the early ties of the monastery to its Georgian founders. Monks today still follow the Byzantine calendar, which differs from the secular calendar and shapes how time is measured in daily life.
Only male visitors are permitted to enter the peninsula, and they must obtain permission that needs to be requested several weeks in advance. Long trousers and clothing that covers arms and shoulders are required inside the monastery walls.
The gate of the complex closes in the evening and opens again the following morning, making life inside the walls follow a fixed rhythm. The grounds hold several chapels outside the main church, some of which display their own frescoes from different centuries.
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