Varlaam Monastery owes its name to a hermit who first settled here in the 14th century, but it wasn’t until two brothers scaled the rock with ropes and baskets a century later that it grew into a grand sanctuary. Its church, dedicated to All Saints, houses ancient manuscripts, remarkable frescoes by the celebrated painter Frangos Katelanos, and even the massive barrel once used to store over 12,000 liters of wine. The climb is gentler today, but the sense of isolation that once defined Varlaam still lingers in its stone walls.

How to access

Access to Varlaam Monastery is included with all Meteora day tours, depending on its rotation of open days. Once reached only by rope baskets, today you climb steps cut into the rock to reach its grand courtyards and frescoed chapels.

Why the Monastery of Varlaam is a must-see in Meteora

Monastery perched on a cliff in Meteora, Greece, surrounded by rock formations.
Frescoes on the ceiling of the Monastery of Varlaam, depicting religious scenes and figures.
Interior of the Monastery of Varlaam with frescoes and stone columns, Greece.
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Giant wine barrel

Inside, you’ll find a massive 16th-century oak cask that once stored up to 12,000 liters of wine, a reminder that monasteries were also centers of production, supplying not just monks but passing pilgrims and visitors.

Sacred relics

At Varlaam, you come face to face with relics of St. Andrew and St. John the Baptist. For many, these aren’t just museum pieces; they turn your visit from simple sightseeing into a spiritual encounter at one of Meteora’s most revered sanctuaries.

Stone-carved stairway

The staircase you climb today was carved into the rock in the 1920s, replacing the rope baskets and swaying ladders monks relied on for centuries. Each step gives you safe passage and a vivid sense of what life was like when this cliff-top sanctuary was nearly cut off from the world.

Inside Varlaam Monastery

Meteora monastery with stone architecture and lush greenery on a sunny day.

Katholikon of All Saints

Built in 1542, decorated by Frangos Katelanos with frescoes of saints and biblical cycles in the post-Byzantine style.

Tourists exploring inside Meteora Monastery, observing historical artifacts.
Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Meteora interior with stone walls and wooden beams.
Extreme hermitages in rock face above St Antony's hermitage, Meteora, Greece.
Frescoes depicting religious scenes inside Meteora monastery, Greece.

Know before you go

Opening hours & duration of visit

  • Varlaam Monastery is closed on Fridays, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to see it.
  • It opens daily from 9am to 3pm, with shorter hours during the winter months (November to January), when daylight is limited.
  • As the second largest monastery in Meteora, Varlaam attracts steady groups throughout the day; if you’d like quieter moments, aim to visit early in the morning before 11am.
  • With its spacious katholikon, relic chambers, and historic storage rooms, expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour exploring Varlaam.

Entry & access

  • Entry requires a small cash contribution of €3 to €5 per person, the same as other monasteries in Meteora.
  • You’ll climb around 195 stone steps carved into the rock to reach the monastery, a moderate but steady ascent that’s less demanding than Great Meteoron. The preserved winch tower and rope basket system are part of the approach, offering a glimpse into how monks once hauled themselves and supplies up the cliff.

Rules

  • Photography is permitted in outdoor spaces, with the courtyard and terraces offering excellent views across to Great Meteoron, but photos are not allowed inside the churches.
  • Dress modestly to meet the monastery’s requirements: men must wear trousers, women long skirts and covered shoulders; shawls and skirts are available at the entrance if needed.

Nearby towns & trails

  • Varlaam pairs perfectly with Great Meteoron, which sits directly opposite and is often combined in the same visit for their shared scale and importance.
  • The towns of **Kalabaka and Kastraki are just below the cliffs, both filled with traditional tavernas where you can enjoy a meal after visiting.
  • A scenic trail connects Varlaam with Great Meteoron, giving walkers panoramic views of the two monasteries perched on facing cliffs.

Frequently asked questions about Varlaam Monastery

Is the Monastery of Varlaam included in all Meteora tours?

Yes. Entry to the Monastery of Varlaam is included in all Meteora full-day tours. However, access is subject to availability, as opening hours or religious services may occasionally limit entry.

How long does a typical visit to Varlaam Monastery last?

Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at Varlaam, allowing you to explore the chapels, museum exhibits, and the monastery’s views to your heart's content.

Are there guided tours available at Varlaam Monastery?

Yes. Full-day guided tours from Athens or Thessaloniki** are available and highly recommended. They provide rich context about Varlaam’s history, art, and its important role within the Meteora complex.

Can I take photos inside the monastery?

Photography is permitted in select areas, including the courtyards and outdoor spaces. However, flash photography is not allowed, and taking pictures inside the chapels may be restricted.

Is the monastery wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the monastery is not easily accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Reaching it involves climbing many steps and navigating uneven stone paths.

Are there other monasteries nearby worth visiting?

Yes. Meteora is home to six active monasteries, each offering something unique. Varlaam pairs especially well with the Great Meteoron Monastery, located directly opposite on another rock.

More reads

Meteora rock formations with a monastery and a person standing on a cliff, Greece.

Meteora 2-day guided tours from Athens

Meteora rock formations with monasteries, part of full-day tour from Athens including transfers.

Plan your visit to Meteora

Map of Meteora monasteries in Greece, showing locations of six monasteries near Kastraki and Kalabaka.

Meteora monasteries map

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