Varasova
Varasova from Kryoneri
Highest point
Elevation917 m (3,009 ft)[1]
Coordinates38°21′49″N 21°35′31″E / 38.3635°N 21.592°E / 38.3635; 21.592
Naming
PronunciationGreek: [vaˈrasova]
Geography
Varasova is located in Greece
Varasova
Varasova

Varasova (Greek: Βαράσοβα) is a limestone mountain in the southern part of Aetolia-Acarnania in western Greece. It was known as Chalcis (Ancient Greek: Χαλκίς) in antiquity, and there was an ancient Aetolian town at its foot named Chalcis, Hypochalcis or Chalceia[2] (hence the name of the current administrative unit Chalkeia). It rises steeply from the coast of the Gulf of Patras to 917 m elevation.[1] It is situated just east of the mouth of the river Evinos, 3 km east of Galatas, 14 km east of Missolonghi and 18 km northwest of Patras. 8 km to its east is the mountain Klokova. There are several rock climbing routes on the steep south and southwest faces of the Varasova.[1]

It is referred to as the Mount Athos of Rumelia or Western Greece, due to the large number of churches and monasteries (around 72) built in the Byzantine and the Ottoman period.[3] Several still exist today, including the 9th-18th century cave monastery of Agios Nikolaos near Kryoneri, which is only accessible by boat.[4]

Local tradition tells us that the Titans endeavoured to throw this rock into the sea, so that it might form a bridge between the two coasts; but the rock proved too heavy, and was dropped where we see it today.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Oreivatein
  2. ↑ Public Domain Smith, William, ed. (1854). "Chalcis". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. Vol. 1. London: John Murray. p. 600.
  3. ↑ Kryoneri tourist guide
  4. ↑ Galatas tourist guide
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