The first hotel with a massage salon opened on Mount Athos
A hotel with massage opened in the former cell of St. Nicholas on Mount Athos. Photo: tilegrafimanews
In November 2024, the first hotel with a massage salon, an ultra-modern restaurant, and an AB Vasilopoulos supermarket opened in the capital of Mount Athos, Dafni, according to the tilegrafimanews.gr website.
The hotel was established in the former cell of Saint Nicholas (Samaradiko), which belongs to the Great Lavra Monastery – the first monastery built on the Holy Mountain. Construction of the new building began in 2020 and was completed in 2023, with the facility entering service a few weeks ago.
"The new hotel under the 'SAMARADIKO' brand, with a stay costing 40 euros per night, offers an affordable accommodation option for visitors to Athos. Additional services, such as massages, are not included in the price, though they are well-reviewed as providing full rejuvenation," the publication notes.
It is reported that this initiative sparked a wave of negative reaction, with some expressing concerns over the integration of modern commercial and tourist infrastructure in a place of deep tradition and religious significance. However, according to tilegrafimanews.gr, people often visit these new facilities, "proving that tourism and commercial development can be combined with respect for the traditions and unique nature of Mount Athos."
As reported by the UOJ, the most powerful earthquake in two months occurred on Mount Athos on Sunday.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".