This document summarizes a hike through a town in Greece to visit the 12th century Panagia Varabessa Byzantine church. Along the path are fig and reed plants, olive groves, vineyards, and pine trees hundreds of years old. When reaching the church, it is surrounded by common local trees like vineyards, olive groves, and figs. The hike offers beautiful views of the snowy Ymittos Mountain and planes landing at the nearby Athens International Airport. On the return trip, two horses are encountered as if wanting a promise to pass by again.

1. by Loukas Kordalis
1st Junior High School of Markopoulo

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A beautiful path in our
town is in the
Byzantine church of
the 12th century
Panagia Varabessa, in
the Varaba area.

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Figs and reeds can be
seen on your way to
the church as the area
is known for its rich
flora and fauna since
the Erasinos River has
riverbeds until its
estuary in the
Vravrona’s area.

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Following the route,
there are olive groves
and pine trees which
are some hundred
years old, as well as
vineyards which are
the most widespread
cultivation in the
Mesogeia area.

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At the background
of our picture is the
snowy Ymittos
Mountain, which is
rarely seen in our
area.

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When we finally reach the
Varaba’s church which is of
great archeological value
and has been characterized
as a Byzantine monument,
we can see that it is
surrounded by vineyards,
olive groves, figs and pine
trees. All these are very
common trees, which we find
in our town, because they
are particularly prosperous.

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From the church
you are able to
see the Athens
International
Airport’s airplanes,
because it is
nearby.

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And a beautiful
surprise on your
way back…

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Two beautiful horses,
that greet us, as if they
want us to give them
the promise that we will
pass again!

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