Holy Mount Athos
At dawn the last monk rushes back to the monastery. After sunset the gates are getting shut.
Four years after the burial of a monk, the remains are digged out again. The skulls are cleaned with wine and the name of the chaplain is added to them.
A monk reads from a historic book.
At he ceremonies the monks are wearing a headscarf. Otherwise they would be desecrated.
Many of the monasteries and settlements are built right into the steep and rocky cliffs of mount Athos.
Two monks at the monastery of Megistis Lavras, which is the oldest on the peninsula.
A settlement close to Karies. Karies is the only village on Athos.
Many of the monastery are harvesting there land. This monk is trimming olive trees.
Three monks in the early morning. The inner courtyard is the central point in the monasteries.
Almost every monastery has his own quay. Once a day a ship delivers mails, groceries and pilgrims.
A monk is seen in a cave on the foot of mount Athos.
In a grave-chamber a monk is lighting a candle.
In the early morning mist a pilgrim is heading out to the next monastery.
Two times a week the monastery is getting cleaned. Every monk has his own task.
Many monks have access to modern communication devices, so they can stay in touch with their families.
The black hat is the typical headdress of the monks.
Around mount Athos many little islands are towering out of the ocean.