Thessaloniki event in partnership with Mount Athos Center

Mount Athos: A unique monument of nature – Thessaloniki, 12 September 2025
Among Unesco’s criteria for selecting Mount Athos as a World Heritage site, criterion (v) states ‘The monastic ideal at Mount Athos has preserved traditional human habitations, which are representative of the agrarian cultures of the Mediterranean and have become vulnerable through the impact of change within contemporary society. Mount Athos is also a conservatory of vernacular architecture as well as agricultural and craft traditions‘. Whilst criterion (vii) adds ‘The harmonious interaction of traditional farming practices and forestry is linked to the stringent observance of monastic rules over the course of centuries, which has led to the excellent preservation of the Mediterranean forests and associated flora of Mount Athos.’ Mount Athos: A unique monument of nature, an event organised by the Mount Athos Center and the Friends of Mount Athos, will combine scientific meeting and exhibition bringing together scientists, academics, conservationists and others with an interest in and love of the Holy Mountain. The event’s objective will be to examine and explain the Holy Mountain’s unique landscape and to ask the question ‘what must we all do to preserve it?’

A full programme will be published by the middle of August.