Varlaam the Second Biggest Monastery in Meteora Greece
Varlaam Monastery, this is the 2nd oldest of the 6 active monasteries of Meteora. It is not very difficult to access. Few steep steps and a small bridge. Crossing the bridge was like crossing over to peace and holiness!
Varlaam Monastery Meteora History
Ascetic Monk Varlaam
A tiny chapel was first constructed here on this peak in 14th century by an ascetic monk Varlaam. He ascended this height of 373m climbing a series of scaffolding which were supported on mere wooden beams wedged into holes of rocks.
Following this pattern several other monasteries came up in Meteora. Reading about how he climbed this peak in the year 1350 and built not one but three chapels, a cell for himself and a water tank gives goose bumps.
He was one daring and determined monk! Sadly after his death, all these lay forgotten and abandoned.
After 200 years…
In 1517 two priest monks founded this monastery which exists in good condition till today. Monasteries were used to escape and hide from invaders.
They built a cathedral and a tower. Records mention it took 22 years to haul up all the building materials to top of the peak. But after that it took only 20 days to set up the monastery.
Changes in Mode of Transport to Varlaam Monastery
The scaffolding soon gave way to rope ladders and nets. I can imagine the scary experience of being hauled up in a net all the way up – 373m – with no guarantee that the net wouldn’t tear away! Those who were daring enough took the rope ladders.
This method of ascend with nets and ladders went on for several centuries till the year 1923. In that year 195 steps were chiseled into the rocks all the way till the top. Though the nets aren’t abandoned yet. It is used to pull up food stuffs and other necessities.
The room, basket chamber, which had machinery to lower baskets tied to ropes is preserved well.
What to see in Varlaam (Balraam) Monastery
- Frescoes in main church painted by celebrated iconographer Frangos Katelanos of Thebes in 1548
- Narthex frescoes by the brothers George and Frangos Kondares of Thebes in 1566
- Chapel of the three – A chapel dedicated to the three great bishops St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom
- Museum has good collection of relics, carved wooden crosses, icons, embroidered epitaphoi and many other ecclesiastical treasures
- Sacristy has 300 religious manuscripts copied by monks, some of which are displayed
Barrel to store water
Katholikon in Varlaam Monastery
The most prominent and impressive building within the monastery is the Katholikon (central church). This church was built over the ruins of the older monastery by the 2 brothers Nectarios and Theophanis. It was completed in 1548.
There is a popular legend that the monks had to drive away a monster that lived in a cave in the summit of this peak.
Story of Monk Theophanis
Several inscriptions narrate the story of Theophanis being ill for 10 long years. However when the monastery was completed in 20 days he miraculously rose from his bed.
He went to the church and raised his hands praising the Lord and thanking all masons and craftsmen involved in making the church. He returned happy and full of joy to his room where he soon breathed his last.
Open Timings of Varlaam Monastery
Summer timings: Apr to Oct: 9am to 4pm closed on Fridays.
Winter timings: Nov to Mar 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm closed on Mondays.
Pin this for later
Wow I love the architecture ! It reminds me of the stone walls architecture of the monasteries I saw in Georgia, I am guessing they might be from the same period of time because of the similarities in the architecture. Beautiful photos !
Nice one… I like the one with railway line outhouse..
Simply beautiful and lovely to see.
Lovely!
Awesome pics , especially Bridge one !
It looks so peaceful and beautiful! Thanky ou for showing this side of Greece.
Such gorgeous pics!! The first one takes my breath away, I exaggerate not. <3
It's so beautiful and vibrant.
Looks beautiful In. Lucky you to have visited it 🙂
Beautiful captures indeed.
What a fantastic place to explore and photograph.
Truly amazing and well preserved monastery! Very beautiful photos, quite picturesque…
superb 🙂
Hello Indrani, this monastery is beautiful. It is amazing to see these lovely buildings from so long ago. Wonderful post and photos. Happy weekend!
Wow – so serene and beautiful!
Impressive Structures! How much human hands can accomplish!!!
Beautiful place..equally well captured..
So serene calm sublime !
Looks beautiful, nice shots.
Amazing what could be built centuries ago with the little tools they had. Fascinating!
Ah, thanks again for reminding me of my time in Greece!! Marvelous captures of a beautiful place!! I love the over view!!
It's posts like this that make me want to travel. 🙂
how pretty. i especially like the shot with the benches.