The history of Hilandar Monastery, located in the northeastern part of the Athos peninsula, is deeply intertwined with the development of Serbian monasticism on the Holy Mountain. Ranking fourth among the monasteries of Mount Athos, it is dedicated to the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Before the 12th century, Hilandar was inhabited by Greek monks. However, during that time, the monastery fell into decline and was eventually abandoned, coming under the care of Vatopedi Monastery. In 1191, Rastko, the youngest son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja, took monastic vows at Hilandar. Choosing a monastic life, Rastko left his home and journeyed to Mount Athos, where he adopted the monastic name Sava.
Sava later moved to Vatopedi Monastery, and his father, Stefan Nemanja, also embraced monasticism, taking the name Simeon. In 1197, with the support of Vatopedi and the Protaton, Sava and Simeon began restoring Hilandar Monastery. By 1200, the reconstruction was completed, and Sava actively fostered its development, establishing it as a spiritual center for Serbs. Hilandar became a place where many Serbs took monastic vows, eventually integrating smaller monasteries such as Strovilei and Komitissa under its care.
Saint Sava played a pivotal role in shaping Serbian monasticism. In 1219, he was ordained as an archbishop by the Patriarch of Nicaea, marking Serbia's recognition as an Autocephalous Church. That same year, Sava left Mount Athos to become the first Archbishop of Serbia, continuing his spiritual mission until his death in 1235.
Like most monasteries on Mount Athos, Hilandar resembles a fortress. In 1784, a domed water-blessing fountain with columns was constructed near the central church.
The central church of the monastery, built in the 14th century, is dedicated to the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple. Inside the monastery, there is a museum where fragments of royal gates and icons from the period of the church’s construction are preserved. The original frescoes date back to 1319–1320, while later works from 1803–1804 feature a more dynamic style, including depictions of everyday scenes.
On the southern wall of the church lies a silver reliquary that once held the relics of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming. After the relics were transferred to the Studenica Monastery, a miracle occurred at his burial site: a grapevine grew from the wall where he had been interred, and it continues to thrive to this day.
Hilandar Monastery houses numerous sacred relics, including icons from the Byzantine period. Among the most notable are a mosaic icon of the Theotokos (12th century), the icon of Hodigitria (13th century), and several others that represent the monastery’s rich spiritual heritage.
One of its most treasured relics is a piece of the True Cross, gifted to the monastery by Byzantine Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes. The monastery also holds a fragment of the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ.
To visit Hilandar or any other monastery on Mount Athos, a special visa known as the Diamonitirion is required. This permit allows visitors to explore 20 monasteries and stay overnight in one of them. The visa is issued in Ouranoupoli, and applicants must provide a copy of their passport along with details of their planned itinerary.
Unfortunately, women are not permitted to visit Mount Athos or its monasteries. However, they can take advantage of boat tours along the coastline, offering a closer view of the monasteries and the opportunity to appreciate their architectural beauty from the sea.