On a rugged peninsula in northern Greece lies one of Europe's most unusual and secluded places. Known as Mount Athos, or the Holy Mountain, this autonomous monastic community has barred women from entering for more than 1,000 years. Home to centuries-old Orthodox monasteries, ancient manuscripts and a population made up almost entirely of monks, Mount Athos operates under a unique set of religious traditions that have survived wars, empires and modern political change. Despite being part of Greece and the European Union, the sacred mountain continues to follow rules that date back to the Byzantine era.
