Varasova Rock

    Arriving to Philoxenia Appartments visitors will see in front of them standing the imposing rock of Varasova. A limestone massif height 917 meters dominates in Kryoneri, just 50 meters from our facilities, naked and precipitation, has a leading role in the game of contrasts played with the impressive vegetation which has grown at the foot of Varasova by the source which gushes crystal waters. The playfulness of nature ends on the beautiful beach giving to the swimmers the opportunity to enjoy an impressive experience• wildlife concentrated in astonishing Varasova is complemented by the blue sky and crystal clear waters of the beach of Kryoneri offering the visitor unique moments of relaxation.

 

 

 

   For those who love mythology, the mountain of Varasova has to offer rich material to explore. The mountain is said to be associated with the mythological cycle of Koresus from Calydon. Koresus, priest of the god Dionysus fell in love madly with Kalirroi, an unspoilt young girl from Calydon. The girl, though resisted to love him and rejected him. The priest unable to endure the lack of her, asking for help turned to the god Dionysus who sent in response madness to people of Calydon and great evil. The people not knowing how to escape the misfortune ask the oracle of Dodona to give them the solution. According to the oracle to leave the evil from the land of the Aetolians they had to sacrifice the young virgin by the hand of the priest. Because of the fact that Koresus loved much Kalirroi failed to kill her and committed suicide. Then Kalirroi, because of the shame she felt for the harm that was caused to the place and for the loss of Koresus, fell into a pond and died. Since then the lake was named and called Lake Kalirroi.

 


   Historically the mountain of Varasova was an important center for ascetics as there were gathered together numerous caves and hermitages. Older shepherds claimed that at the slopes and the tops were seventy-two churches and chapels giving the mountain the nickname "Mount Athos of Aetolia." The most important chapels were the church of the Holy Fathers, the Virgin, St. Nicholas, St. Peter, and St. Athanasius. Even Cappadocian painters, according to sources, were traveling to Italy from East and preferred the land road Corinth - Patras some of whom undoing some time in order to draw forms of saints in caves.

 


   

   The cave of St Nikolaos: is located on the east side and is a 'fortress-monastery complex character, which for 10 centuries flourished a small number of monks. In 1991 under the supervision of Professor Emeritus of Archaeology, University of Ioannina Mr. Athanasios Palioura began the excavation of the cave where brought to light important findings."

 

 

 

  
   However Varasova has to offer to intense experiences and adventure to the lovers of nature, as it is indicated for climbing. Already from 1958 until today mountaineering clubs organize ascents with many visitors to live the unique experience of climbing in the wild and precipitous slopes. Climbers from around the world have shown keen interest in exploring and opening new paths to the mountain with varying degrees of difficulty in each case. Indeed, since 1981, the Varasova was established by climbing schools as a necessary step that must be passed by a young aspiring climber. The Varasova mountain integrated in the Natura 2000 is located within the nature protection area (land area) of Messolonghi lagoon-Aitolikou operator, and labeled as "very scenic" is a center of enormous ecological and cultural interest, it has fauna living permanently on the slopes and flora of particular interest, also, many of the flowers that grow there are really rare. Everything just a few meters from the Philoxenia Appartments.