Authorities in Greece's Central Macedonia region have approved €5.3 million in European funding for the restoration and modernization of monasteries and sketes on Mount Athos, aiming to preserve one of the world's most important centers of Orthodox Christian monasticism.

The funding, provided through the European Union's ESPA development program, will support seven restoration projects at the monasteries of Karakallou, Koutloumousiou, Xenophontos, Great Lavra, Simonopetra, Saint Paul, and the Skete of Saint Anne. The decisions authorizing the projects were signed by Central Macedonia Governor Athina Aidona.

Regional officials said the initiative is designed to safeguard the unique spiritual and cultural heritage of the Holy Mountain while improving the safety and functionality of its monastic complexes for both resident monks and the growing number of pilgrims who visit each year.

Among the largest projects, restoration work at Karakallou Monastery will focus on its main church and a 16th-century defensive tower. At Koutloumousiou Monastery, crews will restore the western section of the complex, renovate roofs and utility systems, and upgrade facilities used to accommodate pilgrims.

At Great Lavra, restoration will begin on the Dormition of the Mother of God cell in the Skete of Saint Anne. Built in the 18th century, the structure has stood abandoned since the 1980s and is considered at risk of collapse.

Simonopetra Monastery will convert its historic olive mill, constructed in 1851, into a modern exhibition space while preserving the building's historic character and part of its original equipment. The renovated facility will also house workshops dedicated to icon painting and traditional ecclesiastical embroidery.

Another project will establish a dedicated care unit for elderly monks at Saint Paul Monastery. The approximately 200-square-meter facility will include residential accommodations and medical care spaces designed to meet modern standards.

The funding package also includes the modernization of residential buildings at Xenophontos Monastery, reinforcement of retaining walls, and landscaping improvements within one of the monastery's sketes.

The investment comes as pilgrimage to Mount Athos continues to increase. According to previously reported figures, more than 163,000 pilgrims visited the autonomous monastic peninsula during the first months of 2026, nearly one-third more than during the same period last year, with Romanian pilgrims forming the largest national group of visitors.