I remember an interesting story from history books. During the 14th century plague, Serbian emperor and empress asked for a safe place at Athos peninsula. They

I remember an interesting story from history books. During the 14th century plague, Serbian emperor and empress asked for a safe place at Athos peninsula. They were granted access, but the empress needed to be carried away all the time, and carpets needs to be put before her whenever she goes anywhere. It worked out because the rule was not that women are not allowed there, but because "women may not put step on the holy ground of Athos peninsula".