Vatopedi Monastery
The Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi (Greek: Βατοπέδι, ) on Mount Athos, Greece, was built during the second half of the 10th century by three monks, Athanasius, Nicholas, and Antonius, from Adrianople, who were disciples of Athanasius the Athonite.
From then onwards, several buildings have been constructed, most of them were built during the Byzantine period and during the 18th and 19th centuries when the monastery reached its highest peak.
About 100 monks live in the monastery today, where extensive construction projects are underway to restore the larger buildings.
The monastery is open to males and male animals. No females may enter, except female cats are allowed and female animals the size of chickens or smaller are allowed. Reservations to stay at the monastery are required in addition to the permit to enter Mount Athos.
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