Posts in category: Πάνω σε έναν βράχο 1- Διονυσίου

Near the monastery, the torrent Aeropotamos ('River of Wind') forms a deep ravine, through which the cold northern air of the mountain travels. The waters of the river drain into the sea at the harbour of the Monastery (arsanas), which it has shaped over the years by depositing the sediments it carries. History has recorded its powerful floods that dramatically swept away people, gardens and buildings in its path.

There are many examples in the geography of Christianity which show the preference of monasticism for high, difficult-to-reach, rocky places. The fact that the Dionysios Monastery is built on a large, rocky outcrop has shaped its character and architectural history and, of course, has played a role in the daily life of its monks. The complex has the architectural plan of a fortress, with solid, high-rising walls, narrow openings, and a tall tower. The courtyard is also narrow, and the buildings communicate internally. It is clear that this archaic type of architecture had the monks' safety as a priority, and their living comfort as a secondary consideration, and is another element which shapes the ascetic character of the monastery.