Monastery of Varlaam

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam — also dedicated to All Saints (Agion Panton) — is the second-largest active monastery and one of the most photographed. It sits on a 373-metre sandstone pillar with sheer drops on three sides.

The monk Varlaam first lived on this rock in 1350, but after his death the site was abandoned for two hundred years. In 1517 two brothers from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, rebuilt the monastery — and according to local lore it took them 22 years to haul the building materials up by rope, but only 20 days to put up the actual structure once everything was on the rock. The famous net-and-winch system that pilgrims once used to climb up to Varlaam is the icon you’ve seen in UNESCO photos of Meteora.

Highlights

• The katholikon and two smaller churches built by Varlaam himself
• The original rope-and-net winch tower — preserved as a museum piece
• A small museum with relics, icons and ecclesiastical treasures
• Sweeping panoramic views toward Roussanou and the Pindus mountains

Visiting in practice

• Around 195 steps from the road to the entrance — moderate climb.
• One of four monasteries that lend wrap-skirts to women in trousers at the entrance.
• Bring €5 in cash per person.