VARLAAM MONASTERY

The monastery was founded in the middle of the 14th century, when the hermit Varlaam settled at the top of the rock to found a small chapel and some cells. He lived there alone until his death and the place remained uninhabited for many years. In 1517, brothers Theophanis and Nectarios, originally from Ioannina, decided to restore the church and settle on the rock. In 1542, greatly enriched by the donations of the faithful in land and vineyards, the two brothers were able to build a second church with a Catholic. A community of about thirty monks continued to live in Varlaam monastery after the death of the two founding brothers.

After climbing the steps and entering the central courtyard, one enters the catholicon

The first large room, the narthex of the church, is supported by four square columns. Notice the two tombs of the founding brothers in a corner on the right, as well as the painting depicting them with the monastery in their hands. On the right wall, scenes of the Last Judgment can be seen and opposite on the inner lintel, Saint Sissois meditating in front of the skeleton of Alexander the Great. The second room is the nave. To the right and left of the entrance, two identical absidioles are decorated with ivory and mother-of-pearl mosaics.

In front of the entrance, a gilded and carved wooden templum represents Christ crucified and the Mother of God. At the four corners of the vault, the four Evangelists, including Lucas who paints the silhouette of the Virgin.