In 1989 we visited the monastery of Simonos Petras, the “Rock of Peter”. This monastery is probably the most beautifull of all, also for tourists who take the boattrip from Ouranopolis.

Simonos Petras from a boat – 1 may 2007

We walked from Dionysiou and we first passed the monastery of Grigoriou. The entrance looks like this:

The entrance to the monastery Grigoriou – 1989

and this the Katholikon of Grigoriou:

and everywhere you get a warm welcome with the traditional sweet Greek coffee, loukoumi and raki in the guestroom:

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After about 45 minutes you reach Simonos Petras:

Simonos Petras – 1989

this is the plan of the monastery:

1. Entrance
2. Guesthouse
3. Katholikon
4. Trapeza
5. Phiali
A. Igumenion (Abbey)
B. Ag. Magdalenis
C. Ag. Charalambos
D. Nosokomion (Hospital)
E. Ag. Georgios
F. Christou Genniseos
G. Apothiki (storage)
H. Cells
J. Aquaduct
K. Ag. Archangeli

After the you pass the entrance (1) you have to go through a dark corridor:

The view down is amazing (picture taken near F)

and the balconies are old ………

The gardens are situated between the rocks below the monastery. Monks use this “lift” to get their vegatables (look at the swifts flying!):

view at the harbor (arsanas) at the seashore.

After the visit we planned to walk to Philoutheou (4 hours), and because it was a long and difficult climb (600 m.), we generously got a plastic bag for lunch with fresh white bread, olives and a hard boiled egg.

We were rewarded with a unique panorama:

In the neighbourhood of Tria Sinora / Goritsa we almost got lost, because the sign to Karyes/Piloutheou had fallen down. On the background you see a text from the monastery with tips how to plan your visit to Simonos Petras. A little late maybe ?

Wim, 5/2