A major exhibition entitled "Mount Athos and the Byzantine Empire: Treasures of the Holy Mount" will be inaugurated at the Petit Palais in Paris on April 9, in the presence of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The landmark cultural event was presented in a press conference by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who also inaugurated the renovated George Seferis Hall in the foreign ministry building. 

"The exhibition reflects the broad cooperation shared by Greece and France," Bakoyannis stressed, speaking in the presence of French ambassador to Greece Christophe Farnaud. Referring to the exhibition, she pointed out that it highlights the ties between the autonomous all-male monastic Community and the 1,000-year Byzantine Empire.

Exhibits include magnificent icons, monumental paintings, original manuscripts and exquisite miniature artifacts that provide information on Byzantine institutions and Mount Athos' artistic legacy and as the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity. The exhibition features 180 exhibits that will be on display for the first time outside the all-male community, offering a unique opportunity to women visitors. 

The exhibition will continue until July 5.