More than 1.000 residents live under the shadow of the impressive tower of Prosforio. Ouranoupoli might be the last place the visitor headed to Mount Athos passes through, but its name has nothing to do with the fact that it is a “gate” to the monastic state. It was named after the Alexandrian city, founded in 315 B.C. by Alexarchos, son of Antiparos and brother to Kassandros. The city was built on top of the ruins of Sani, a colony of Andrians, which was totally destroyed by Philip II. Some preserved coins are signed “OURANIAS POLEOS” and others “OURANIDON POLEOS” and have a representation of Ourania Aphrodite, sat on a sphere on one side and the sun with eight rays on the other.

During summer the accommodations, as well as the beaches, fill with visitors. Most tourists also visit the islands of Ammouliani and Drenia, as well as the famous Zygou monastery, located 2km away from Ouranoupoli (distance easily covered on foot). The archaeological site is well organized and visiting the natural border to the settlement of Athos is an experience not to be missed. Ouranoupoli is 120km from Thessaloniki, and is a vibrant state all year round. Men pilgrims travel by ship from the small port of the tower of Prosforio (after they have been given the proper permission from the Mount Athos office) to Daphne, the seaport of Mount Athos.