The peninsula with its Holy Mountain is host to some 20 Orthodox monasteries.  Commonly known in Greek as “Agion Oros", it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988.  

An Orthodox spiritual centre with its monastic community being founded in 963, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute under Greek sovereignty since Byzantine times. The 'Holy Mountain', which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. 

The 20 monasteries, which are presently inhabited by some 1,400 monks, have for centuries had a wide international reach and influence, including its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art. The monks are from Greece and other Eastern Orthodox countries including Romania, Moldova, Georgia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Russia live a life of abstinence in Athos.