The surrounding mountains awe you, the sun shimmers on the rocks. And if you don’t take a good look, it’s hard to spot the Monastery of Kipina, a monastery built literally on the rock. It’s as if it is tied to the rock. It’s as if it were created together with the with erosions and the changes in rock formations. The scenery is breathtaking.
Where is the Monastery of Kipina
This special monastery is carved on a slope of Tzoumerka Mountain, on a steep rock in Epirus. It is located near the village of Kalarrytes which is also a place of unique beauty. Access to the monastery is made by a carved path and a wooden bridge. It’s called “Lisia” in Epirus. This bridge, in fact, used to be mobile. The monks used it as follows: They opened it when they wanted to leave or accept someone and put it up to protect themselves from raids. They were, thus, completely isolated in their stone shelter.
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The history of the monastery
The Monastery of Kipina is thought to have been built sometime during the 13th century. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its name is attributed to the gardens cultivated by the monks nearby, next to the river. Arriving there, you will be greeted by running water that creates a sense of peace and a babbling brook fountain. Entering the monastery, you will be particularly impressed by the catholic room of the small temple, inside the monastery, which is literally carved into the rock. The hagiographies of the monastery date back to the 17th century. Apart from the catholic in the monastery, there are also three cells and a gallery, all of them carved on the rough, mountain surface.
What else are you going to see in the area?
Villages! Beautiful, small, well-coordinated villages. Stop with your car in every and each one of them to admire their beauty. Syrrako, Kalarrites, Pramanta are some of the most famous and not without reason. Equip yourself with a camera and marvel at the greatness of nature.
Photo Source: voreiatzoumerka.gr
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kipina Monastery is located on a steep rock slope of Tzoumerka Mountain in Epirus, Greece, near the village of Kalarrytes. Access to the monastery is made through a carved path and a wooden bridge called 'Lisia' in the local dialect.
Kipina Monastery is thought to have been built during the 13th century. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with hagiographies dating back to the 17th century.
Kipina Monastery is unique because it is literally carved into and built on a steep rock face, appearing as if it were created together with the rock formations. The monastery features a small temple carved directly into the rock, along with three cells and a gallery, all integrated into the mountain surface.
The monks used the wooden bridge, called 'Lisia,' as a mobile drawbridge. They would open it when they wanted to leave or accept visitors, and close it to protect themselves from raids, allowing them to remain completely isolated in their stone shelter.
Near Kipina Monastery, visitors can explore beautiful mountain villages such as Syrrako, Kalarrites, and Pramanta. The area also features the Church of Agia Theodora, famous for its unique 17 trees growing on its roof, and stunning natural scenery perfect for photography.
