In this post I will show you some pictures from the backside of skiti Andreou, where not many people go. The pictures are from our last pilgrimage in September last year.The plan of skiti Andreou or Serail:

A. Entrance B. Athonias school C. Well/phiale D. Garden E. the main church from 1900 F.  Trapeza or dining hall in the basement of the church G. Guesthouse or Archontariki H. Graveyard I. Chapel on the topfloor – gangway on the groundfloor J. old chapel with wall paintings K. the ruined wing L. the iron gate from 1896 M. back entrance N. bells

We start this blog at building G, the guesthouse and I walked in the direction of D.The entrance to the guesthouse (G)The rules of the skete, written by elder Ephrahim.The corridor in the guesthouseView from our room: on the right the church and left is the graveyard (H).The graveyard (H) with a large monument: in the background a small church that is being renovated.The monument from 1902 in the graveyard.The church seen from the graveyard (H)The backdoor, leaving the guesthouse, at M on the plan above. The backdoor seen from outside. This part of the building is in a bad shape. The guesthouse lies on your left.This picture is taken near spot M in the direction of K. All these buildings are almost in ruins.Looking in the opposite direction: the guesthouse with balconies.Picture from the balcony towards spot KPicture from the same spot, with surroundingsThe opposite direction, agian a picture shot from the balcony.Near spot K: here only the church on the top is renovated, the rest of the buildings are not!A lot of waste lies squattered in the gardens: a barrel and wheels of a train?Building and door from 1898. The main church was finished in 1900.Old balconies rest on rusty iron bars…Looking back at building K and the guesthouse.Now we arrive at spot L on the plan: again, all buildings are not in use and almost in ruins here.An iron gate from 1896: this part is two years older than the buildings in the previous pictures.Detail of the gate with an small iconLooking back at the iron gate (photo by Jitze Bakker) On the other side of the iron gate: another ruined building (D on the plan)With rusted iron doorsand a building without floors….Building D is in the right corner below on this aerial picture of the Serail.

Wim, 10/9