Souvenirs from Mount Athos

Athos Souvenirs: What to Choose

For many Orthodox Christians, a pilgrimage to Mount Athos is a trip of a lifetime. It is an important event from which every visitor wishes to keep as many memories as possible. Accordingly, in addition to photographs, pilgrims try to take with them a small souvenir from the garden of Theotokos, an object that will remind them of their pilgrimage to the holy peninsula of Athos.

What Can I Get from Mount Athos?

Some visitors prefer a holy icon, while others take with them prayer ropes, similar to those worn by the monks when they exercise the mental prayer. One can find prayer ropes for himself, family and friends. They are an excellent souvenir, as they are linked to the daily life of the monks, to their handiwork and prayer.

The perfumes of Mount Athos, frankincense and myrrh, are also particularly popular.

However, one of the most precious gifts that one can take is a piece of cloth sanctified by the Holy Cincture of the Mother of God, which is placed in the Vatopedi Monastery. Pilgrims and young couples who wish to have children and raise their family often procure such a gift, asking for the grace and blessing of the Virgin Mary.

Furthermore, many pilgrims choose an Athonite wine. The wines of Mount Athos, especially the red ones, have become particularly popular and are famous for their rich taste. It is worth noting that the authenticity of the region, the pure land and the wonderful climate, combined with the care of the monks, determine the excellent quality of the product. After all, vines have been cultivated on Athos for more than a thousand years. In the past, the sunny vineyards of Mount Athos produced wine only for local monastic use. However, today a significant part of the production is exported outside the peninsula.

In addition, the Athonite monks cultivate olives from which they produce olive oil.

The publication of books is particularly important as well. Some monasteries have worked hard in the production of refined editions of books, which are a jewel for any library. They are therefore an ideal souvenir for every pilgrim, as well as a great gift for the beloved ones. In Athos there can be find rare editions with the lives of saints, the history of monasteries and the orthodox church.

Those who do not have the opportunity to visit Mount Athos, can always buy monastic athonite products from our online shop.