6 Must-Visit Monasteries In Meteora, Greece

1. Monastery of Great Meteoron

Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and the most visited of the remaining monasteries. It was founded in 1356 by Athanasios the Meteorite. It is in a magnificent setting with beautiful sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of the major attractions you will be delighted to encounter here include the tombs of Athanasios and his son Ioasaph, an on-site museum with religious books and icons, and an illustration of Greek’s resistance during the Second World War. You are free to visit this monastery on your own, or you can opt for the more efficient guided tours where you link up with others for a small group excursion to have a more immersive experience.

Monastery of Great Meteoron

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours: 9am - 2pm (daily)

Price: 3.40 USD

2. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas is located close to Kastraki, about a kilometer (0.6 miles) from the village. It is in an epic setting that forms a gorgeous background for dramatic photos that will forever be etched in your memory. The monastery was founded in 1368 and was later enlarged in 1628. Some of the conspicuous attractions here include its tiny church featuring breathtaking frescoes painted by Theophanes—a highly respected Cretan artist in 1527. One of the most memorable frescoes in this tiny church is one depicting Adam when he was naming the animals.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours:9:30am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 3.40 USD

3. Monastery of Varlaam

Monastery of Varlaam sits gently on top of 373-meter (1,223-foot) cliffs and can only be accessed from one side through a flight of 195 steps. It is the second-biggest monastery and was founded in 1517 on the exact spot for the old hermitage of the hermit Varlaam. Inside the monastery, there is a 16th-century church with the characteristic beautiful frescoes and an old communal dining hall that now acts as a small museum.

Monastery of Varlaam

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 3.40 USD

4. Monastery of St. Stephens

Monastery of St. Stephens is the easiest to access of all the monasteries here. You can access it through a footbridge, and you don’t climb any steps as is always the case with most of them. The structure is also in a wonderful setting, with breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding regions. It is close to Monastery of the Holy Trinity and is currently inhabited by nuns who are responsible for keeping it in order and showing guests around. The place has an awesome little church beautified with awe-inspiring ornate golden details.

Monastery of St. Stephen

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 1pm, 3pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 3.40 USD

5. Monastery of Rousanou/St. Barbara

Monastery of St. Barbara is perched on a slender pinnacle of a rock, and it is dedicated to the Transfiguration—though named in honor of St. Barbara. It is believed to have been constructed in 1288, and it underwent a major renovation in 1545. In 1988, the place became a convent, and up to date, it hosts nuns who are tasked with taking care of the structure, as well as tending the beautiful small garden.

Monastery of Rousanou/St. Barbara

Address: Kalampaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours: 9:30am - 2pm (daily)

Price: 3.40 USD

6. Monastery of the Holy Trinity

This is perhaps the most visually intimidating monastery of all the six. To access it, you will have to climb a flight of up to 140 steps. It is also one of the most familiar of all the six, having been featured in a James Bond film For Your Eyes, in the hanging-basket scene. It is believed that Monastery of the Holy Trinity was constructed in 1438, though it was not until 1798 when its main church was built. Other than the intimidating structure, the monastery offers magnificent views of Plain of Thessaly, especially if you look from the open space behind the church.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Address: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 5pm (closed on Thu)

Be respectful while you tour these monasteries

A tour of the monasteries is a trip down memory lane—to thousands of years ago. While you enjoy the sites and the scenes, however, don’t forget that these spaces are places for prayers, meditation, and peace for the monks. Therefore, while you make your way through the must-visit monasteries in Meteora, Greece, do be respectful, whether or not a monk or a nun is around.