Karies is the capital of Mount Athos from the 10th century. Today it has a population of around 260 people at an altitude of 233 meters. Karies sigilio as confirmed by the Emperor Leo VI the Wise was near the canal of Xerxes. The old name was “average” because in the middle of the peninsula.

19 of the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos outside Koutloumousiou is just 5 minutes from Karies have their own representatives and residents in buildings called lodgings. Delegates meet whenever necessary to resolve problems concerning the Holy Mountain.

At 5 minutes from Karies is the hermitage of San Andreas.

The most important building in Karies is the temple of Protaton, which celebrated the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is the oldest on Mount Athos.

Karies are buildings of Government House, the mail, the medical center, police, fire, OTE also operate various types of ecclesiastical shops, bakeries, pharmacy, restaurants, hotel, bank, bookstore agency Taxi. Karies end operate church-school high school Athoniados school.