Logo

Century-Old Monasteries in Mount Athos Suffer Damage from Greece Earthquake

A shallow 5.3-magnitude earthquake near Mount Athos, Greece, caused structural and artistic damage to three ancient monasteries, including Xenophontos, Dochiari, and Simonos Petras. Greek authorities have deployed experts to assess and begin preservation efforts within this sacred monastic community, which has stood for over a thousand years.

Century-Old Monasteries in Mount Athos Suffer Damage from Greece Earthquake

Earthquake Strikes Northern Greece, Damaging Historic Monasteries

A recent earthquake shook the northern Halkidiki peninsula, impacting the sacred religious enclave of Mount Athos and causing damage to several ancient monasteries. The quake, registering a magnitude of 5.3, originated underwater at a shallow depth of just 12.5 kilometers (7.7 miles), striking northwest of Mount Athos’ administrative center, Karyes.

Impact on Centuries-Old Religious Sites

Authorities have confirmed that at least three centuries-old monasteries sustained notable structural and artistic damage. Among them are:

  • Xenophontos Monastery (dating back to the 10th century)
  • Dochiari Monastery
  • Simonos Petras Monastery (from the 14th century)

Following the quake, officials reported significant cracks appearing in the domes of the Xenophontos church, further threatening frescoes that were already weakened by an earlier tremor in February. Dochiari monastery experienced similar damage, while Simonos Petras showed more limited effects.

Preserving a Sacred Heritage

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated that a dedicated team of archaeologists and conservation experts is staying onsite to conduct thorough inspections and assess the full extent of the damage. This effort aims to prepare for delicate restoration work to safeguard the monasteries' historical and cultural significance.

Mount Athos: The Holy Mountain

Mount Athos holds a unique position in both spiritual and cultural heritage. Known as the Holy Mountain, it has been an autonomous monastic community since Byzantine times, with continuous Orthodox Christian traditions dating back to the year 1054. This enclave currently houses around 20 active monasteries, some boasting histories greater than a millennium.

The recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of such irreplaceable heritage sites and the importance of ongoing preservation initiatives.

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Nepal's Kaski District
4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Nepal's Kaski District

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Kaski district of western Nepal near Phulibang on May 28, 2025. The tremor was also felt in nearby districts such as Lamjung, Tanhu, and Parvat. No damages or casualties have been reported. This incident comes shortly after a 4.3 magnitude quake in Jajarkot district on May 26.

Swiss Glacier Collapse Destroys 90% of Alpine Village, One Missing
Swiss Glacier Collapse Destroys 90% of Alpine Village, One Missing

A massive landslide caused by the collapse of the Birch Glacier in Switzerland destroyed 90% of the alpine village of Blatten and left a 64-year-old man missing. Authorities evacuated 300 residents earlier due to the glacier’s instability. The incident also buried the Lonza River bed, raising environmental concerns. The glacier’s rapid retreat is largely attributed to climate change.

6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Bogotá, Residents Flee Into Streets
6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Bogotá, Residents Flee Into Streets

Bogotá, Colombia experienced a strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake early Saturday, sending residents rushing into the streets amid visible building sway and sirens. Thankfully, no casualties or damage have been reported. The shallow quake intensified the impact, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Bogota, Colombia
Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Bogota, Colombia

A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit near Bogota, Colombia, early Sunday, shaking the capital and nearby cities. Despite widespread panic, no casualties have been reported yet. Authorities have mobilized disaster response teams to assess damages and ensure public safety amid ongoing seismic risks in this active region.

Emmanuel Macron's Wax Statue Stolen from Paris' Grevin Museum
Emmanuel Macron's Wax Statue Stolen from Paris' Grevin Museum

Emmanuel Macron's wax figure was stolen from the historic Grevin Museum in Paris by three individuals claiming affiliation with Greenpeace. The trio entered disguised as tourists and exited through an emergency exit with the statue, which was crafted in 2018 by Claus Velte and displayed in a setting inspired by the Élysée Palace. Authorities continue to investigate the theft and search for the suspects.

Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Greece, Tremors Felt in Turkey
Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Greece, Tremors Felt in Turkey

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Greece’s Dodecanese Islands close to the Turkish border, accompanied by a 5.8 magnitude tremor in Turkey’s coastal town of Marmaris. The tremors caused injuries to seven people in Turkey and were felt across surrounding Greek islands, including Rhodes. This seismic activity highlights the region’s vulnerability as Turkey continues to face frequent and severe earthquakes.

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Greece's Dodecanese Islands Near Turkey
6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Greece's Dodecanese Islands Near Turkey

A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude occurred on June 3, 2025, near the border between Greece and Turkey, affecting the Dodecanese Islands. The tremor was reported at a depth of 68 kilometers. Authorities have confirmed there are no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The region is seismically active due to tectonic plate interactions, underscoring the significance of ongoing monitoring.

Russian Attack Damages Kyiv’s Historic Saint Sophia Cathedral
Russian Attack Damages Kyiv’s Historic Saint Sophia Cathedral

The Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century, suffered damage in a recent Russian attack. While no critical structural harm was detected, the blast damaged ornamental cornices and plaster. Considered a symbol of Ukraine’s heritage, this attack underlines the ongoing risk to cultural landmarks amid conflict.

Bangladesh Rolls Out New Banknotes Featuring Cultural Landmarks, Drops Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Portrait
Bangladesh Rolls Out New Banknotes Featuring Cultural Landmarks, Drops Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Portrait

Bangladesh has introduced redesigned banknotes that omit the portrait of its founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, instead showcasing cultural landmarks, historical sites, and artwork related to the Bengal famine. The phased rollout by the caretaker government accompanies significant political shifts, including charges of crimes against humanity against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Pakistan Seeks Alternatives Beyond China to Counter India’s BrahMos Missile
Pakistan Seeks Alternatives Beyond China to Counter India’s BrahMos Missile

In the wake of India's Operation Sindoor, which reportedly utilized BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Pakistan faces mounting concerns over countering this threat. Disillusioned by Chinese defense systems that failed to halt Indian strikes, Pakistan is eyeing Germany's IRIS-T SLM, proven effective against similar missiles in Ukraine. However, deepening Indo-German defense cooperation may complicate these plans. Meanwhile, Pakistan balances a significant defense budget increase against severe economic hardships, raising questions about priorities and strategy.

Pakistan Eyes German Air Defense Amid Concerns Over India’s BrahMos Missile
Pakistan Eyes German Air Defense Amid Concerns Over India’s BrahMos Missile

In the wake of India's precise Operation Sindoor strikes, Pakistan is reevaluating its air defense strategy, disappointed by Chinese systems’ shortcomings against the BrahMos missile. Considering Germany’s IRIS-T SLM system, proven effective in Ukraine, Pakistan’s shift reflects growing concerns over its defensive gaps. However, close Indo-German defense partnerships complicate Pakistan’s plans amid challenging economic constraints and a significant defense budget hike.