monastery of kipina Ioannina

 The monastery of Kipina, just outside the village of Kalarrites, seems to be a part of the rock inside which it is built. It was constructed in 1212 in the honor of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and its name probably originates from the gardens that were cultivated by the monks beneath it. A short path leads to the wooden bridge above the 4-meter high cliff that will take you inside the monastery. The construction of the monastery is impressive as every part of the rock has been taken advantage of, while at the same time it gives off a sense of hospitality and serenity. Nowadays, there are no monks in the monastery and in order to visit it, you will have to take the key from the coffee house in Kipina village.