Mount Athos: The Holy Mountain Where Women and Female Animals Are Banned for 1000 Years

• Mount Athos, also known as 'Holy Mountain' or 'Agion Oros', is a peninsula in Greece home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and 2000 monks.
• For over 1000 years, entry for women and most female animals has been strictly prohibited, a rule known as 'Avaton', officially in effect since 1046 AD.
• The ban aims to maintain the monks' vow of celibacy and preserve the area as a male monastic community, with only the Virgin Mary representing womanhood.
• Exceptions include female cats for pest control and wild animals; domestic female animals like cows, sheep, and chickens are generally not allowed.
• Mount Athos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an autonomous region of Greece; men require a special permit, and women attempting entry face severe penalties.

Why It Matters: Mount Athos strictly bans women and most female animals to uphold monastic celibacy and tradition.