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A recent earthquake in Greece has caused significant damage to at least three historic monasteries, some of which date back several centuries. These religious and cultural landmarks are important symbols of the country’s heritage, and their damage has sparked concern among preservationists and local communities. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the destruction and planning restoration efforts to safeguard the architectural and spiritual legacy of these centuries-old sites for future generations.
An undersea earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 12.5 kilometers (7.7 miles), hitting an area northwest of Karyes, the main administrative center of Mount Athos.
According to a statement released by the culture ministry on Wednesday, at least three historic monasteries located within Mount Athos, a religious enclave, sustained damage during the weekend tremor.
The quake, measured at a magnitude of 5.3 and centered off the northern Halkidiki peninsula on Saturday, caused both structural and artistic harm to the Xenophontos and Dochiari monasteries, which date back to the 10th century, as well as the 14th-century Simonos Petras monastery.
At Xenophontos, significant cracks were observed in the domes of the churches, along with further deterioration of wall paintings previously compromised by another quake earlier in February, the ministry reported.
The Dochiari monastery experienced comparable levels of damage, while the impact at Simonos Petras was reported to be less severe.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated that a team of Greek archaeologists and restoration experts would remain on site to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the destruction.
Mount Athos, regarded as a sacred center of Orthodox Christianity since 1054, has maintained self-governance since the time of the Byzantine Empire.
Often referred to as the Holy Mountain in Greece, the area is home to around 20 functioning monasteries, some of which are over a millennium old.
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Source: NDTV
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