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 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 ratingWe had a very good time in Meteora , beautiful place , saw 6 monasteries ( and entered 3 of the 6 )
    Expect lots of stairs and walks,... read more

    avatar thumb doctor_edmond
    January 23, 2023

    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 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

    Daniel J
    January 1, 1970

    star ratingWe're very happy we made the time to visit Meteora - it's a looong day, but worth it! Stunning views, lots of explanations about the history and plenty of... read more

    Lisa T
    August 15, 2022

    star ratingMeteora Thrones takes good care of their customers. We were guided by Chrysa, an effervescent, knowledgeable, engaging young woman and a great story-teller. The tour was everything I hoped for.... read more

    Rebecca808
    June 29, 2022
  • star ratingPerfect Tour with an Exceptional Guide - This tour was everything I expected and my tour guide (Tomas?) was very friendly and knowledgeable.

    I made an error and booked for the wrong date and did not... read more

    debracL9273SM
    January 2, 2023

    star ratingThe place is amazing, definitely a must see. The staff at the travel agency were kind and helpful.
    We arrived from Athens, they waiting for us at the train station.... read more

    Adrienn N
    May 31, 2022

    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 ratingThe tour was very well organized. Our guide gave information in an entertaining manner during the driving, and we had enough time at at each monastery to explore on our... read more

    530gabort
    July 24, 2022

    star ratingWonderful tour - It was a wonderful experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We stopped at 3 monasteries and stopped at all the great picture locations. Meteora was an amazing... read more

    mikiwerner
    March 12, 2023

    star ratingWe did a family trip to Meteora with Meteora Thrones and it was magical! Meteora by itself was incredibly beautiful but the tour made our trip much more fulfulling and... read more

    P5891NDinesv
    July 31, 2022
  • 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 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 ratingHad a fantastic time with our tour guide Dimitri. We did the sunset tour the evening before - if you are staying overnight, I highly recommend doing both! I was... read more

    travelLTN
    June 29, 2022
  • star ratingVery nice trip. Excellent tour guide and very polite driver. Luxurious bus. Astonishing view. Highly recommended

    jennydel2022
    November 2, 2022

    star ratingI joined a half-day private tour, a sunset tour, and a 5-hour day tour. The tours were very well organized. The guides Thomas, Elena and Christos were professional, knowledgeable, and... read more

    avatar thumb Rockie C
    January 17, 2023

    star ratingGeorge, a perfect guide, was extremely informative, interesting, patient and easy to understand.
    The bus arrived on time and was very clean and comfortable.
    I would highly recommend this wonderful... read more

    Cynthia C
    September 6, 2022
Meteora Location in Greece
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