The rich history of the Old Varnakas village

The now-ruined village of Old Varnakas was once an important settlement for the surrounding villages, as evidenced by the rich archaeological finds, and boasts a long history and glory. It was founded on the slopes of the Akarnanian Mountains (elevation 430 meters) during the Byzantine era, when frequent pirate raids forced the local inhabitants to seek refuge in more remote areas, establishing new settlements.

At its peak, the village was a powerful community with a strong tradition of livestock farming, which has since been passed down to the wider region of Xeromero. It is said that the milk produced in Old Varnakas was so abundant that it was channeled through a canal to the dairy of Katis, located further down toward the plain.

Another notable feature of the village is the significant religious and archaeological monument, the Church of Saint Athanasius, dating back to the 16th century. The church is located in a strategic spot, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Boumistos, Perganti, and Agrapidaki mountains. Today, the old church has been rebuilt, and many people gather to celebrate it on May 2nd with beautiful events held under the shade of the ancient plane tree, which is a symbol of the church.

From a record of the Romvi Monastery (written by the monk Joseph, likely around 1710), we learn that next to the Church of Saint Athanasius there was a higher school where philosophy was taught, adding to the cultural significance of the area.

Today, you can visit the ruins of the village and the majestic church of Agios Athanasios.