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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Our Excellent Reviews
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Top Rated – 4.9 Stars based on

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  • star ratingIt was a fun way to learn about Meteroa and see the highlights in an efficient manner. It was much easier for the bus to take us around and tell... read more

    901susiek
    August 7, 2022

    star ratingDmitris wad a wonderful guide. He was on time and the car was very clean. During the trip, Dmitris explanationed about the monasteries and the rock formations. He was very... read more

    vidaquimio
    August 6, 2022

    star ratingAmazing tour around Meteora rocks and monasteries with fantastic landscapes. Very good job by young girl-tour guide Chrysa, with descriptions and explanations about everything historic and general information for... read more

    PanosPanagiotis287
    June 23, 2022
  • star ratingAmazing experience with the best guide ever, Chrysa.
    We spent a really lovely day, everything was perfect.
    Thank you!! 🙂

    156odris
    August 6, 2022

    star ratingFantastic trip, train trip was easy. 2nd class more than comfortable. Hotel is adequate with great location. Both guides night and day tours were knowledgeable and humerus. Both toured offered... read more

    Kirsty J
    June 2, 2022

    star ratingAmazing trip to Meteora with great private tour - Had a fantastic private tour led by Antonis, it was great learning about the amazing history of Meteora. We especially enjoyed seeing the original monasteries and the hermit hole caves.... read more

    Pipetius
    October 15, 2023
  • star ratingIt was an amazing experience!! This is a must see when you visit Greece. Meteora was on my husband's bucket list. Our tour guide, Ria was very knowledgeable. Excellent tour!!

    vasotravelinfo
    August 20, 2022

    star ratingThe tour was a fantastic experience. The monasteries were incredible from the inside and outside. The journey in the van between the monasteries was pleasant and convenient and the guide... read more

    Getaway62065549891
    February 22, 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
  • star ratingWe took a train from Athens to Kalabaka & was welcomed by our tour guide, Chrysa. She’s so kind & friendly. She’s informative & helpful all throughout the tour. She... read more

    sweetyf8
    February 11, 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 ratingThank you for the lovely trip. It was mesmerizing journey. The itinerary was very well thought and organised. And the guide was very good.

    Passenger41424407033
    April 1, 2021
  • star ratingWe took the 4 hour tour from Kalambaka after reading some positive reviews. We caught the train from Athens on our own, which worked out fine, had snacks and coffee... read more

    sarahbR2486KK
    October 29, 2022

    star ratingThe tour gives you a great overview of what meteora has to offer, a monastary & church visit and amazing sunset to finish.

    aliciahrbunn
    August 8, 2022

    star ratingTour is a must to get to the right spot for beautiful photos.
    Wonderful and helpful people who helped us to contact car rental for our van issue.

    avatar thumb 258chans
    January 4, 2023
  • star ratingWonderful experience. The drivers and guides were very friendly and welcoming. The guides were very well-informed about the area and the monasteries. My favourite tour guide was Chrysa.... read more

    Lillian B
    May 6, 2022

    star ratingWe were fortunate enough to have a private tour with Chris, as other people had cancelled due to bad weather. The wealth of information he shared with us, more than... read more

    Sandra A
    March 29, 2022

    star ratingUnfortunately due to the pandemic, we didn't get to do this tour we had planned for 2020. But George & his team have been fantastic throughout - initially providing a... read more

    Jan K
    October 19, 2022
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