Tips for visiting monasteries in Greece

[nm1999]

While visiting the monasteries, remember you are in a sacred place. Dress modestly, with legs and shoulders covered, to show respect for the local customs and faith. Keep your voice low to preserve the peaceful ambiance and adhere to any photography restrictions to respect the privacy of the monks.

I've had some people ask me, so I thought I'd start a post about etiquette. If you are out taking tours and you don't dress properly, be sure to look for a scarf or skirt (for the ladies) that they may provide to make you respectable enough to enter the space. It's far better, though, to dress properly in your own wardrobe!

Loud talking is a no-no. It's also a good idea to observe Orthodox customs when entering the sacred space, even if you aren't Orthodox. Non-orthodox may venerate icons, light candles, submit prayer requests, etc.

Can anyone think of anything else to add?

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I know what you mean and this is a great guide! I don't tend to wear shorts, even in the summer, but I still found that it was best practice to tie a scarf around my waste or one of the garments they often provide. One of the days I was able to enter a church wearing pants and a shirt, whereas my sister was wearing a short sundress and they made her tie the long scarf around her waist. It all depends. Sometimes there's a person standing there guiding us what wardrobe changes we need in order to enter. That part was a little stressful.

 

[Hash]

While visiting the monasteries, remember you are in a sacred place. Dress modestly, with legs and shoulders covered, to show respect for the local customs and faith. Keep your voice low to preserve the peaceful ambiance and adhere to any photography restrictions to respect the privacy of the monks.

I've had some people ask me, so I thought I'd start a post about etiquette. If you are out taking tours and you don't dress properly, be sure to look for a scarf or skirt (for the ladies) that they may provide to make you respectable enough to enter the space. It's far better, though, to dress properly in your own wardrobe!

Loud talking is a no-no. It's also a good idea to observe Orthodox customs when entering the sacred space, even if you aren't Orthodox. Non-orthodox may venerate icons, light candles, submit prayer requests, etc.

Can anyone think of anything else to add?

Aw well done for posting this here,the number of tourists we had to decline to board the ferry to Tinos from Mykonos because they were improperly and disrespectfully dressed!!...... and this is after being specifically instructed by me to the hotel receptionists and Tour Operaters with regards to dress code for Monastery,the disappointment on their faces said it all!