The Great Lavra is the oldest and largest monastery on Mount Athos. Founded between 961 and 963 by Athanasius the Athonite, the monastery is situated in the southeastern part of the Athos Peninsula, 40 meters above sea level. This remarkable monastery not only impresses with its size but also preserves a rich history, unique relics, and architectural monuments.
The monastery was built at the initiative of Saint Athanasius of Athos with the support of Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus II Phocas. Initially, it consisted of a small hermitage with a church. Later, Athanasius constructed the main cathedral and additional buildings. Emperor John I Tzimiskes fortified the monastery by surrounding it with walls and towers, one of which is still known today as the "Tower of Tzimiskes."
During the peak of the Byzantine Empire, the Great Lavra became a model for other monasteries on Athos. However, in the 14th century, the weakening of the empire and Turkish invasions posed serious challenges to monastic life.
The Turks viewed Athos as a source of taxes, but thanks to its peaceful status, the monastic state managed to avoid disastrous consequences. During Greece’s struggle for independence, Mount Athos served as a refuge for resistance fighters, and its grounds hosted weapons workshops.
After Greece's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1830, Athos was officially recognized as an autonomous region under a new protocol. In the 20th century, the Great Lavra avoided destruction during the world wars. In 1963, the 1,000th anniversary of monastic life on Mount Athos—marking the monastery's founding—was widely celebrated. In 1988, the Megisti Lavra, along with other Athonite monasteries, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The monastery complex includes:
The Katholikon. The main church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Built from gray stone, it is adorned with 16th-century frescoes. The church has a cruciform layout with a large dome, 37 columns, 12 entrances, and numerous windows. The narthex is decorated with an elegant colonnade built in 1814.
The Refectory. A cross-shaped building located opposite the Katholikon. Its walls are decorated with vivid frescoes, and its marble tables – triangular, rectangular, and circular – demonstrate the craftsmanship of the builders.
The Marble Phiale. The oldest water-blessing font on Mount Athos, located between the church and the refectory.
Other structures. The monastery houses numerous churches and cells. Among them, the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary is renowned for its icon of "Koukouzelis," while the Church of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste preserves the relics of Saint Athanasius of Athos. The monastery's grounds also include desert cells and three associated sketes: Prodromos, Saint Anne, and Kavsokalyvia.
The Megisti Lavra holds numerous sacred relics, including:
A fragment of the True Cross, gifted to Saint Athanasius by Emperor Nicephorus Phocas. This relic is adorned with mosaics and precious stones.
The pectoral cross of Athanasius the Athonite, containing relics.
The skulls of saints, including Basil the Great, Michael of Synnada, John Koukouzelis, and others.
Rare icons, such as the "Economissa" icon of the Virgin Mary and an icon of Saint Athanasius.
Additionally, the monastery boasts one of the finest libraries on Mount Athos, containing rare manuscripts and ancient books.