Devastating Earthquake Strikes Historic Greek Monasteries
In a shocking turn of events, at least three centuries-old Greek monasteries located in the revered religious enclave of Mount Athos were severely damaged by a powerful earthquake that struck the region over the weekend, the country’s culture ministry announced on Wednesday.
The 5.9-magnitude quake, which hit the northern Greek peninsula on Saturday, caused significant structural damage to these historic religious sanctuaries that have stood the test of time for hundreds of years. The tremors left cracks in the walls and collapsing of parts of the buildings, posing a serious threat to the preservation of these invaluable cultural and architectural treasures.
Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and is considered one of the most important spiritual centers in Greece. The affected monasteries, which were not named, are all part of this revered monastic community that has existed since the 10th century, drawing pilgrims and scholars from around the world.
According to the culture ministry, teams of experts have already been dispatched to the affected sites to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary restoration efforts. Authorities have also closed off access to the monasteries as a precautionary measure, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
“The damage to these centuries-old monasteries is a devastating blow to Greece’s rich cultural heritage,” said Lina Mendoni, the country’s culture minister. “We are committed to working swiftly to stabilize the structures and undertake the necessary repairs to ensure the preservation of these sacred and historically significant sites.”
The earthquake, which also caused damage in the nearby town of Ierissos, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Greece’s historic monuments and the need for continued investment in their maintenance and protection. As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath, the focus will be on safeguarding these unique religious and architectural treasures for generations to come.
