See Holy Monastery of Varlaam, Greece (UNESCO site)

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Moni Varlaam (Varlaam Monastery, also known as All Saints [Agioi Pantes]), the second-largest monastery in Meteora, sits where the acetic monk Varlaam climbed in 1350 CE and established a cell for himself. He built three small chapels and a water tank. The current monastery was founded in 1517 CE. Its main church (katholikon) was constructed in 1541-1542 CE with two domes. Seven monks were living here in 2015 CE. The rock formation of Meteora (sounds like “meta aura”) has attracted humans to its caves for 50,000 years. In the 11th century CE hermit monks began taking up residence. In the 14th century CE as Greece came under increasing attack from the Turks, monasteries were built on the pinnacles accessed via nets and baskets hoisted with ropes or else by using long ladders that could be pulled up when threatened. Not until the 1920’s were steps carved into the rocks. Of the 24 monasteries constructed, only six are still functioning, albeit more as tourist attractions than as religious enclaves. As of 2015, the four male monasteries had a total of 15 monks while the two female monasteries had a total of 41 nuns. Meteora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

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