Arts

Mount Athos is the repository of the Orthodox Christian art and tradition. Although many of the works that adorn the athonite monasteries were imported to Athos by secular artists, the uncommon style of the artworks was equally cultivated within the monastic community.  The artists who arrived in Athos were often inspired by the spirit of the monastic life. Their art was transformed by the authenticity of this sacred place.

The cultural heritage of Mount Athos has suffered much damage during its long history. Among others, it was affected by:

1. The lack of financial resources in times of recession, especially during the Ottoman occupation,
2. Attacks by pirates and invasions by Ottomans and other tribes,
3. Numerous fires, which occurred quite frequently,
4. Thefts and looting,
5. Monasteries' attempts to restore and renovate old buildings, altering their original, traditional character.

The art objects of Mount Athos can be distinguished into two categories, relics and works with monumental character. The first category includes portable icons, woodcarvings, textiles, metal objects and books. The second includes the architectural monuments, sculptures and frescoes. It undoubtedly constitutes religious art, which contains elements of secular traditional culture. The byzantine character of the athonite art, which is preserved and highlighted through the athonite works, is the crowning glory of the athonite art.