The amazing photos of Stratos Kalafatis from Mt. Athos monastery, in northern Greece, focus on the life of the 1,400 monk that currently reside on the all-male monastic community that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

The sacred, for Orthodox Christians, place has carved peace and spiritual calm in the face of those who live  there as well as visitors who make the pilgrimage for a limited four-day and three-night stay.

The Greek photographer spent five years exploring the monasteries, caves and monks of Mt. Athos, over 25 visits from 2008 onwards. The result of his work at the mountain of men from where women are forbidden were showcased in an exhibition, titled “Athos, Colors of Faith.”

Kalafatis spoke to Huffpost about his project and his relationship to Mt. Athos. He spoke of both his identity as a pilgrim and photographer.  

The project “Athos, Colors of Faith” is now a coffee table book by Agra Publications.