Karyes, Athos
Tower of Protato
| Location: |
| Part of the of the Protato complex (Church and administration center) of the monastic communtity of Athos in Karyes |
| Region > Prefecture: |  |
| Athos Mount Athos | |
| Municipality > Town: | |
• Karyes | |
| Altitude: | |
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Elevation ≈ 360 m (Relative Height≈0 m) |
| Time of Construction | Origin | |
| 1694 | Post-BYZANTINE  |
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| Castle Type | Condition | |
| Castle-Monastery |
Very Good
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Α tower at the center of Karyes, the capital of the monastic community of Athos mountain. It is next to the building of the assembly of the community and a few meters from the Cathedral of Athos, the church of the Dormition of Theotokos, also known as “Protato” which is also the oldest church in Athos.
Since from the beginning (10th century), Karyes was the seat of the administrator of th community who was called Protos (meaning “the first”), hence the name Protato.
The tower was reconstructed in 1694 and again in 1890.
Today it houses the central library of Athos with important documents such as the first Typikon (Constitution of Athos) of 972 signed by the Byzantine emperor Tsimiskis.
| First entry in Kastrologos: | December 2014 |
Sources
- The last 3 pictures were sent by Mr. Georgios Antonopoulos
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| Access |
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| Approach to the monument: |
| The tower is at the center of Karyes which is the center of Athos monastic state which is approached only by boat from Ouranoupolis or Ierissos. Karyes is connected by bus to the various ports (usually Daphne). |
| Entrance: |
| Generally, not accessible for the average visitor |