The Monastery of Barlaam or the Monastery of All Saints is a male monastery in Meteora, at the top of a cliff. It is one of the six that continue to be active in Meteora, which since 1988 are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monastery was created in the early 16th century, but it was named after the ascetic Barlaam, who settled on the rock in the 14th century. It is known for the important file it maintains. The monastery was organized by the brothers Nectarios and Theofanis, the so-called Apsarades, from Epirus at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1518 they renovated the chapel of the Three Hierarchs, which was built by Barlaam. In 1536 the brizoni tower was built. The monastery experienced economic growth and spiritual prosperity.
The katholikon of the monastery, dedicated to Agios Pantes, is a cruciform inscribed church of the Athonite type and dates from 1541. Its hagiography was done in three phases. The oldest hagiographies were made by Frangos Katelanos in 1548. The second phase dates from 1566 and is the work of the hagiographers George and Frangos Kontaris. The most recent hagiographies date from 1780 and 1782, according to a founding inscription, but were probably small-scale interventions. Northwest of the katholikon is the bank, which houses relics, the chapel of the Three Hierarchs, a single-aisled wooden-roofed church, the hearth, the cells and the guest house. On the other side, towards the entrance, is the hospital and the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi.
Dress code for monasteries
The monasteries have a strict dress code. Men should wear pants and blouses with sleeves, women should wear long skirts as well as clothes that fully cover the shoulders.
The singles, in case of negligence, can provide skirts for women as well as pants for men who wear shorts. However, since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, monasteries have not provided clothing for free for security reasons, so those who are not properly dressed will be required to purchase clothing upon entering the convent. Respect the dress code otherwise you risk not being allowed to enter the monasteries.
Summer schedule
Holy Monastery of Barlaam
9: 00-16: 00. Closed every Friday.
Winter schedule
Ιερά Μονή Βαρλαάμ
9:00-15:00. Κάθε Πέμπτη & Παρασκευή κλειστό.
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