The Flora

The area of ​​the Vatopedi Monastery is one of the most fertile on Mount Athos. Its flora includes most of the 1471 plant species found on Mount Athos. The higher zones of the area (with an altitude of over 500 meters) are covered by chestnut and broad-leaved oak forests, with scattered arias and maples, which are being logged. In the lower and coastal zones (up to 500 meters altitude) evergreen and broad-leaved trees and shrubs are found, mainly holly and arias, while near the Monastery there are also cultivated areas. The crops grown within the Mount of Vatopedi Monastery are attested from Byzantine times and include species necessary for worship and for the daily diet of the monks (wheat, oil, wine, vegetables, fruits, etc.).