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
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.