The Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Varnakova or Holy Virgin Mary is one of the grander and more important ones in the prefecture, situated on Mount Vardoussia some 20 kilometers away from Efpalio. It was built in 1077 AD was a pillar of Hellenism during a time with the Catholic church hoped to convert the Orthodox. It also played a part in protecting those who escaped from the holocaust of Mesolongi in 1826, so did the monastery of Agios Ioannis of Thermes. Today, chestnut trees and a serene mountainous environment await visitors there. It was built in 1077 AD was a pillar of Hellenism during a time with the Catholic church hoped to convert the Orthodox. It also played a part in protecting those who escaped from the holocaust of Mesolongi in 1826, so did the monastery of Agios Ioannis of Thermes. Today, chestnut trees and a serene mountainous environment await visitors there.
