New Skete, Monastic settlement on Mount Athos, Greece.
New Skete is a monastic settlement on the eastern slopes of Mount Athos peninsula, nestled among dense forests with views toward the Aegean Sea. The compound includes a main church, residential quarters, and work areas spread across the wooded terrain.
The settlement was founded in the 17th century when monks established themselves on the mountainous terrain to build their spiritual community. Over time it developed into one of the established communities within the broader Mount Athos structure.
The monks here practice Eastern Orthodox traditions through daily liturgical services where chanting and ritual mark the rhythm of community life. Work in the gardens and workshops forms an integral part of their spiritual practice.
Male visitors must obtain a special permit called a diamonitirion before entering, with strict limits on daily guest numbers. Advance planning is necessary as capacity is restricted and spots fill quickly.
The grounds maintain a centuries-old rule excluding women and female animals, a practice still strictly observed today. This custom is one of the defining characteristics of the entire Mount Athos area.
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