The Touristic Info Halkidiki informs: Mount Athos - Monasteries and skites

Moni Karakalou

Greek-orthodox, Holiday: June 29

According to a wall painting of the monastery, it was founded by the Roman Emperor Caracalla (211AD-217AD). 

The monastery appeared first in the deeds of Protos Nikephoros from the year 1018AD. It is then, however, one of the oldest monastic foundations in the Athos. Some sources believe that a monk named Karakalas founded this monastery in 11th Century. 

It is located at the coast on the eastern half of the peninsula and the apostles Peter and Paul died here. In the library there are only about 150 manuscripts and almost 2,500 books. 

The low inventory of documents, manuscripts and books can also be another factor for the decrease. Indeed, Lord Robert Curzon visited the monastery Karakalou from 1834AD to 1837AD on one of his trips. There, he went along with the abbot in the library, which was in a terrible condition. 

He asked the abbot for some writings and books that he wanted. The abbot had absolutely nothing against it and urged him to formally treasures. Today, those are kept in the British Library in London. Obviously, this monastery was in past times much larger than today. 

This is reflected in a fortified tower and ruins of fortress walls, from the 16th Century. An extensive renovation at the time is thanks to Moldovan prince Peter IV Rares (1527AD-1538AD/1541AD-1546AD). From that time comes the imposing tower, which overlooks the entire facility. The church and the murals, contained there, originate from the 18th Century.