Varlaam Monastery, Kalabaka, Greece

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery in Meteora. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoron Monastery and it was founded in the mid-14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.

The elegant monastery Katholikon (main church) was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.

The old refectory is used as a museum while north of the church is the side chapel of the Three Bishops, built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.

A very large and impressive 16th century oak barrel for water storage is also not to be missed. The old refectory has been turned into a museum, where visitors can admire the excellence of religious painted icons – mostly contemporary to the Renaissance period – and precious holy vestments of the priests. Other old buildings in the Monastery are the kitchen and the hospital. The bibliographic workshop and the workshop of gold-embroidery of the Monastery were excellent.

References:

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User Reviews

Christie Lessiohadi (2 years ago)
It is said a lot blessed happenes here.

Sylvia Wu (2 years ago)
One of the popular and most visited monastery around here. It takes time to hike up but the landscape is amazing.

Robert Cooke (2 years ago)
1 of the nicer monasteries and great views but got to say my least favourite monastery to visit as it was absolutely packed. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the tour buses.

Erisa Desu (2 years ago)
it's a well preserved monastery. Always crowded. Don't miss the "crypt" and don't forget to visit the balcony where the old net was landing.

Akhil Garg (2 years ago)
The monastery of Varlaam is very nice. Fee to enter the Monastery is 3 euros which is not very expensive and you have to climb up by stairs. View is amazing. Meteora is one of the fascinating landscape in Greece. You must visit this place there are 6 mail Monasteries and Varlaam monastery is one of them.

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