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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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 ratingIts a breathtaking trip
    The train trip is so tiring but it’s worth it.
    Cristos the driver and constantina the guide is so nice and kind people . The... read more

    Hayasim
    October 1, 2022

    star ratingThe tour was very enjoyable and the monasteries were amazing. Our guide, Demetri, was very knowledgeable and funny. He spoke perfect Greek and English and had an answer to any... read more

    GeorgeVlog
    July 14, 2022
  • star ratingPerfect tour! Very informative, great duration, I had a blast! I strongly recommend that tour to see the Meteors.

    Louise C
    September 19, 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 ratingBest of Meteroa In A Day! - I loved this day trip. It was easy to book, the instructions were clear on taking the train from Athens to Meteora, and upon arrival we were greeted by our... read more

    Jaka_Achmad
    November 26, 2022
  • star ratingMy wife and I took the sunset tour, and it was very nice! The guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the monasteries of Meteora, those currently active and... read more

    CharbelHanna1807
    September 29, 2022

    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 ratingMeteora 2 day trip - We had a wonderful experience with Meteora Thrones. Very accommodating to our needs, plus we had a wonderful travel guide! Highly recommended!

    avatar thumb G205LIangelak
    January 7, 2023
  • star ratingVery informative tour! You would be missing out visiting this site without learning some of the history. Our guide Thomas was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We saw quite a bit,... read more

    shayleep368
    October 13, 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 ratingThis was an amazing experience! I'm so glad I did this day trip from Athens! I took so many breath taking pictures! Just incredible!

    It is a long day.... read more

    davidhU7524UE
    May 18, 2022
  • star ratingWe had such a great experience getting to visit this beautiful place. Marcini, our guide was truly a star, she shared so much information around the phenomenon of the... read more

    joannekI2615UI
    July 11, 2022

    star ratingGreat experience, with all transports perfect on time even though the weather was not good. The guide was a really experienced one and he made our group to understand the... read more

    avatar thumb Gioceccherini
    November 13, 2023

    star ratingWith a seven-headed group of friends from Belgium we booked a one-day Meteora visit, including train tickets, bus rides, tour guide, free leisure time, and lots of breathtaking views and... read more

    mmhenrot
    October 8, 2022
  • star ratingThis was the most knowledgeable, interesting, educated, and entertaining tour guide and tour we have taken to date. Meteora was where he grew up and his father before him. He... read more

    181janinl
    July 10, 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 ratingExcellent trip. I tried to find the cheapest way to get to Meteora with my wife, but from the distance from Meteora from Athens it made the most sense booking... read more

    Svensk22
    September 22, 2022
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