The monastery is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul.
It houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary known as the 'Petrovitissa'.
The library contains roughly 300 manuscripts and over 2,500 printed books.
It is one of the few Athonite monasteries to have historically maintained a connection to the Moldavian and Wallachian principalities for financial support.
The distinctive bell tower was built in the mid-19th century.
The katholikon walls were adorned with frescoes by artists from the school of Dionysius of Fourna in the 18th century.
Monastery of Karakallou is an Eastern Orthodox monastic community located on the southeastern side of the Athos Peninsula. It ranks eleventh in the hierarchical order of the twenty sovereign monasteries on Mount Athos. The foundation date remains historically debated, though official records trace its existence to the 11th century. The current main catholicon was constructed in the mid-16th century, showcasing post-Byzantine architectural elements. The complex is fortified with a defensive tower dating back to the 16th century, characteristic of Athonite monastic defense architecture. It preserves significant relics, including the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew and the Apostle Peter. The monastery follows the coenobitic way of life, where monks share all property and labor. It is situated on a plateau at a moderate elevation above the Aegean Sea, accessible primarily via coastal footpaths.
The view from the stone pathway approaching the main gate offers the best perspective of the defensive tower and exterior walls.
You must obtain a Diamonitirion (entry permit) well in advance of your visit to Mount Athos.
Contact the monastery office directly via telephone or fax several weeks ahead to arrange accommodation for overnight stays.
Pack light, as movement between monasteries on the peninsula is primarily done on foot.
Do not arrive without a confirmed reservation, as monks are under no obligation to accommodate unannounced visitors. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Access is restricted to male visitors only, requiring a valid permit. The monastery follows the Byzantine clock for liturgical services, which shifts with the sunset.
Conservative dress is required, covering shoulders and legs completely. Photography inside the catholicon is strictly prohibited. Smoking and loud behavior are forbidden on monastery grounds.
