(Adnkronos) – Three monasteries on Mount Athos were damaged by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck the Chalkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece on Saturday at a depth of 12.5 kilometers. The Ministry of Culture in Athens announced this today, explaining that the monasteries of Xenophontos and Docheiariou, dating back to the 10th century, and that of Simonopetra from the 14th century, suffered damage.
The ministry explains that large cracks were observed in the domes of the churches of Xenophontos Monastery, in addition to further damage to the frescoes already weakened by the February earthquake. Similar damage was observed at Docheiariou Monastery and more limited damage at Simonopetra Monastery.
A team of Greek archaeologists and restorers will remain on site to continue inspecting the damage, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a statement.
