The renowned monasteries in Greece are often related to Greek nature and history. Often situated along steep rocks, windy slopes, and cliffs, above the ocean, lush valleys and healthy groves, these monasteries are the best examples of humans toil. One step closer to God and a way to bond with the Almighty by means of meditation, simplicity, and happiness. Aside from its religious purpose, monasteries also tell stories about the rich past of Greece and its ancient practices. Get to know more and explore these must-visit monasteries in Greece during your next trip to this Mediterranean country.
1. Pantokratoros Monastery
Located on the eastern side of the Greek Peninsula, the Monastery of Pantokratoros was built and dedicated to the Transfiguration of Our Lord. It is said to start operation in the year 1363. In its whole lifetime, the monastery survived two fires - first in 1773 and the second in 1948. The monastery’s katholikon is a bit small because of the scarcity of space. However, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful Greek monasteries as it has adopted the amazing architecture of the Athonite churches.
Pantokratoros Monastery
Address: Mount Athos 603 86, Greece
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
2. Konstamonitou Monastery
Founded during the 10th century by a monk named Konstamonites, the Konstamonitou monastery on Mount Athos’ southeast side offers a very tranquil place for you to meditate and pray. The monastery itself is a known survivor of hard times, as it survived a fire and abandonment. It was in the early 19th century where the monastery started to rise up again with the re-establishment of the east wing, the north wing, and the katholikon.
Konstamonitou Monastery
Address: Mount Athos 603 86, Greece
3. Karakallou Monastery
Founded during the 11th century, the Karakallou Monastery took its name from its founder, Karakalos. Because of the war between the Arab and Latin pirates, the monastery was totally abandoned. However, Balkan monks began to arrive and live inside the monastery during the 15th and 16th centuries, reviving the monastery. Today, the monastery is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the whole peninsula. It features a strikingly painted main church and a library that is home to over 330 manuscripts and 3,000 books.
Karakallou Monastery
Address: Mount Athos 603 86, Greece
4. Xeropotamou Monastery
The Xeropotamou Monastery is known to be one of the oldest monasteries along Mt. Athos. It has been erected in 956 AD when a parcel of land was given by a donor by the name of John. The church of the Xeropotamou Monastery was restored and renovated in the 13th century. Today, the present monastery compound is still the same as it was found in the 18th century. The monastery features a library that is home to over 40 Byzantine-era manuscripts, 30 Greek manuscripts from 956 AD, and a 14th-century steatite paten known as the “cup of Pulcheria.”
Xeropotamou Monastery
Address: Mount Athos 603 86, Greece
5. Osiou Gregoriou Monastery
The Osiou Gregoriou Monastery is another Orthodox Christian monastery in Mount Athos. It is a very unique monastery since it has been built close to the sea. It is one of the most pilgrim-friendly monasteries and is known for its choir that knows a variety of traditional Byzantine Chanting which is regarded as one of the best in the whole Mt. Athos. You will surely feel peaceful and serene at this monastery, thanks to the cold breeze and the calming sound of the waves adjacent to it.
Osiou Gregoriou Monastery
Address: Mount Athos 603 86, Greece
6. Philotheou Monastery
Philotheou Monastery is one of the 20 monasteries along Mount Athos and is located on the peninsula’s east side. Its name was derived from its founder, St. Philotheus. Every January 24 or February 6, a commemoration of the Seven Venerable Saints is held inside the Philotheou Monastery. The saints that they honor during the celebrations include Philotheus, Theodosius, Igumen, Dionysius, Dometios the Hesychast, Damianos, and Cosmas of Aetolia.
Philotheou Monastery
Address: Philotheou Monastery 630 86, Greece
7. The Monastery of Great Meteoron
Get to see Meteora in a whole new perspective on this four-hour hiking trail from Kalambaka and Kastraki. Experience walking between two amazing rock formations, along with the breathtaking views, ruins of the old monasteries and caves, the unknown monastery of Ypapanti, and the wonders of Meteora. You also get to visit the Great Meteoron or the Varlaam monastery which is located at the top of the mountain.
8. The Monastery of Rousanou/St. Barbara
The Monastery of Rousanou got its name from the hermit monk that lived on the rock. The monastery’s main cathedral was first built during the end of the 16th century and was designed 30 years later by a monk that used to live inside the monastery. It had suffered bad damages during World War II. However, it was renovated and became a convent in 1988. The walls of the monastery are home to some of the most prized wall paintings of the Catholicon. The monastery is also surrounded by breathtaking rock formations that will surely amaze you.
The Monastery of Rousanou
Address: Meteor, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Opening hours: Sun: 9:30am - 2pm; Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Wed & Sat)
9. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
The first monastery that you will see en route the Holy Meteora is the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas. The monastery itself was constructed at the top of an 80-meter (263-foot) high rock and is close to St. John Prodromos. As you enter the monastery, you will first see the Church of St. Anthony where the monastery’s heirlooms were placed before. 14th century-era paintings can also be seen along the walls. The second floor of the monastery is where you can find the main church dedicated to St. Nicholas.
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Opening hours: Sun: 9:30am - 4pm; Mon - Thu, Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Fri)
10. Monastery of the Holy Trinity
A lot of tourists come to Greece for its amazing seas. However, a part of them heads to The Monastery of the Holy Trinity, where centuries of history and an amazing view awaits you. Known to be one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, the monastery sits at the top of a rock formation that is millions of years old already. The monastery is also known for its very interesting architecture that you cannot see in other churches and monasteries around the world.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Relax and take a break at these Greek monasteries
Greece indeed is home to some of the world’s most magnificent monasteries. Make sure to get a glimpse of these must-visit establishments on your next trip to this country.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data