Mount Athos Monasteries, Greece: Spiritual heritages at risk after 5.3 earthquake

On Saturday, June 7, a strong 5.3-magnitude earthquake rattled Mount Athos, Greece. According to the Athens Geodynamic Institute, the epicenter was located 10 km from Karyes, under the sea near the coastal monasteries of Docheiariou and Xenophontos, at a depth of approximately 9.8 km.

The tremor was significant and caused damage to several centuries-old monasteries, including Docheiariou, Xenophontos, St. Panteleimon, and Simonopetra. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. According to assessments conducted by the Technical Chamber of Greece, the Center for the Preservation of Athonite Heritage (KEDAK), and Aristotle University’s Civil Engineering Department, the buildings remain structurally stable. However, urgent repairs are needed.

Inspectors observed not only general damage but also structural issues. These included cracked masonry, dislodged roof tiles, fallen plaster, and chandeliers shaken loose from altar areas. At Simonopetra Monastery, structural pillars between windows were also damaged.

The leader of the inspection team stated that while the buildings' integrity is not currently at risk, another seismic event could cause severe damage in the future. Due to the historical and spiritual significance of these monasteries, repairs are essential to prevent the potential collapse of structural elements such as domes, frescoes, and mosaics.

A seismic monitoring device has already been installed at Xenophontos Monastery, with plans to add more equipment at other sites to study the impact of future earthquakes on these vulnerable structures. The initial estimated repair cost ranges from €6 million to €7 million, though this figure may change as further inspections are completed.

Mount Athos is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and numerous smaller hermitages. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an autonomous monastic community.