Meteora Monasteries

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About Meteora – The Holy Meteora Monasteries

Meteora monasteries – the miracle of Greece. Few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly been one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. The Greek word Meteora means “suspended in the air” and this phrase aptly describes these remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries.

Meteora is a great place to experience , a spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora. In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers. As you approach the town of Kalabaka, the nearest big town near Meteora , and the picturesque village of Kastraki you will see a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars that climb up into the sky. On top of them you will spot the famous Meteora monasteries.

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Which Meteora monasteries to visit?

Great Meteoron

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron

The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos or Playtlithos. It was founded little before the mid-14th century (around 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites. The monastery has a pleasant courtyard and there are many amazing frescoes to see. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the monastery…

Holy Monastery of Varlaam

The Varlaam Monastery is named after the first monk who built the first church on the rock. This was in 1350 and Varlaan built three churches, a room for himself and a water tank. Unfortunately no other monks joined him, after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. In 1517 two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades , re-founded the monastery. Nowadays the monastery can be reached by a bridge and has a small museum, there are a lot of impressive 16th century paintings to see as well…
Varlaam Meteora
Roussanou Meteora

Holy Monastery of Rousanou

The Rousanou Monastery was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara. Like other monasteries at Meteora the Roussanou monastery was looted during the Second World War. The monastery is reached by a bridge that has some dramatic drops. Nowadays the Monastery is run by nuns. The monastery is located on the way from Kastraki to Meteora between St. Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam monastery…

Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

St. Nicholas Anapafsas monastery was founded in the 14th century and nobody is quite sure who the monastery is named after. This Monastery is most famous for its frescoes by the famous Cretan artist Theophanes Strelitzas in 1527. Some of these frescoes include the passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary praying. The monastery fell into disrepair and was completely abandoned for 60 years from 1900 to the 1960’s when the Greek government repaired the monastery…
Saint Nikolas Anapafsas
Saint Stephen Meteora

Holy Monastery of St. Stephen

The 14th century St. Stephen monastery is the closest monastery in Meteora to the main town of Kalabaka, and so the easiest to visit. St. Stephen monastery was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in 1400. The Katholikon at the monastery is dedicated to St. Charalambos who’s head it contains, as it is believed to prevent illnesses. Much of the monastery was destroyed during World War Two and the Greek civil war that followed. The monastery is run by Nuns…

Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity

You may recognise the monastery of Holy Trinity as it was used in the James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’ Roger Moore scales the cliff face. Out of all the monasteries of Meteora Holy Trinity has the most dramatic location, the rock face is a sheer drop and the rock itself is a lot more slender. The monastery was built in 1458 and had many treasures, but most of these were looted by the Germans during the Second World War, most of the frescoes are from the 18th century…
Holy Trinity
Discover Meteora with the Best Local Agency

Meteora Thrones is the leading travel service company in Meteora and the surrounding area, which has earned the trust and loyalty of visitors who want to organize in the best and most effective way their visit to Meteora and the Holy Monasteries.

We organize everyday tours with the goal to offer you the absolute and authentic Meteora experience with the best prices in the area. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Our experienced staff and the “State of the Art” VIP Limo Mini bus we own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place.

We also provide private tours with VIP services and personalized programs to enjoy the magic of Meteora in the maximum. Come along to make the tour of your dreams!

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  • star ratingMeteora tour - Thanks for the experience. We had an amazing time with Antonio who showed us around. Amazing history and views ! Thank you so much

    enzopoitou
    March 5, 2023

    star ratingVery nice trip. Excellent tour guide and very polite driver. Luxurious bus. Astonishing view. Highly recommended

    jennydel2022
    November 2, 2022

    star ratingWe we’re picked up at the train station as planned.
    The guide was funny, knowledgeable and gave enough time to visit 3 monasteries. We also had many stops to take... read more

    avatar thumb geruzap2017
    February 9, 2023
  • star ratingBreathtaking views train to train Meteora tour with phantastic guide - Train to Train trip to Meteora on 20 April 2023 was a wonderful experience. Especially we liked our guide Clement who was facing the group when telling very interesting things... read more

    Aiga J
    April 22, 2023

    star ratingExcellent tour and Antonis was the best guide. He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond our expectations.

    avatar thumb Suzan H
    November 14, 2023

    star ratingMeteora visit - Absolute stunning views and totally worth the long day of getting there and back to Athens. A bit disappointed we couldn’t take the train (there was flooding and route was... read more

    JillPerez-Guerra
    September 30, 2023
  • star ratingEverything was great.! Travel agancy was very friendly and professional!! The view so nice!!! You must visit this place with meteora thrones agancy

    mchristo000
    March 14, 2022

    star ratingExcellent, well organised trip by meteora thrones. Amazing views from our hotel and then on the sunset tour that evening. We opted for the 3 hour hike the... read more

    NESmallFurriesRe2018
    May 2, 2022

    star ratingThe whole tour was amazing.
    We learned a lot about the monasteries and their history. The guide was really nice and available.
    We could visit a monastery and the Byzantine... read more

    nrchloe
    October 2, 2022
  • star ratingWell organized, quick response to the questions, perfect and nice guide. Definitely worth money paid.

    laimagruzdyte
    May 23, 2022

    star ratingamazing trip - I'm glad I booked this tour. This can easily be tge highlight of my trip to Greece. Kalambaka is amazing.
    I'm supposed to use the train to go to Kalambaka,... read more

    r0ughnecker
    March 8, 2023

    star ratingThat was a great tour, our guide Ioannis was very knowledgeable and nice, I learned a lot! I would do this tour on the first day as you drive around... read more

    53mariong
    July 27, 2022
  • star ratingBest way to book a local organized bus tour to maximize seeing as many of the monasteries as possible. The tour was 4 hours long with a very knowledgeable guide... read more

    523noemi1717
    October 18, 2022

    star ratingAmazing views - Everything was spectacular, I enjoyed each moment and view of the Monasterios and rocks formation. Our guide was excellent, he show us the most amazing spots, and he explained in... read more

    RoxanaZamudio
    April 30, 2023

    star ratingMust do excursion - This was a Wonderful excursion that we are very happy we chose!! Our driver and guide were very kind, patient and thoughtful.

    idontwanttogiveyouan
    March 8, 2023
  • star ratingIncredible  - There isn't a word in the dictionary that comes close to describing this wonderful experience. Our tour guide's knowledge of the history of Meteora really enhanced our experience. Photo opportunities... read more

    Lawrence S
    October 15, 2023

    star ratingThis trip was a long day but completely worth it! The train was comfortable and travelled through some beautiful scenery and meeting Ria (apologies if this is spelt incorrectly!) at... read more

    Deborah
    February 1, 2022

    star ratingYiannis and Kostas were great hosts. We enjoyed our experience and would reccomend it! Bring a comfortable pair of shoes!

    Roving736480
    May 16, 2022
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