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 ratingAmazing tour. Would highly recommend this to anyone. Young and old. Convenient hotel pick up. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made our experience even better.

    Tina M
    August 8, 2022

    star ratingGuide Clement and driver Elias made the tour visits in good timing and enjoyable. Glad to learn more about the monasteries and soaked in the magnificent landscape.

    avatar thumb stellaphuamk
    June 7, 2023

    star ratingWe were delayed by 2 hours because of problems with the train from Athens (weather) yet the tour company waited for us and gave us a fantastic tour nonetheless. The... read more

    Zeru
    March 1, 2022
  • star ratingEasy to find, well organised (even if last minute), we didn't have to think about anything, the guide was very nice!

    X2318BAmelanies
    March 4, 2022

    star ratingGreat visit, excellent customer service - Best customer service they gave us. We reached Kalambaka an hour later than the scheduled tour time due to a mistake in our train booking, confusion with Larissa and Athens... read more

    ICE T
    December 16, 2022

    star ratingwe visited Meteora's monasteries with this tour. Everything was perfect, we were lucky as the 7:20 train from Athens arrived on time in Kalambaka, where the buses were already waiting... read more

    Alessio0575
    April 21, 2022
  • star ratingAmazing Experience - Clement was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable and engaging. The entire landscape was breathe taking and his insights to the area enhanced the trip. The long train trip to... read more

    Jess19121912
    June 7, 2023

    star ratingReceptionist was really kind the tour gide was extremely sincere and helpful he made the tour very interesting with facts I totally recommend it

    324harish
    March 2, 2022

    star ratingGreat tour guide person - Knowledgeable tour guide person. Visited 1 monastery out of 2 inside and 5 out of 6 in total outside

    Georgebano
    April 27, 2023
  • star ratingWell planed trip and friendly staff, everything went well on the trip. If you travel from Athens to Meteora it is best to go on an organised trip to facilitate... read more

    queirogadiogo15
    October 8, 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 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 ratingMeteora is Amazing - Thomas (Day 1) and Tasos (Day 2) were very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. They also gave good recommendations on where to eat. The place was spectacular.... read more

    jocelyngV5023XY
    April 29, 2023

    star ratingBest tour ever! - Highly recommended!Best guide guide ever (don't remember his exact name but I think was Clement :)) anyways the guide was 100% very kind and easy going person and had lots... read more

    avatar thumb palsza
    January 4, 2023

    star ratingThe tour and guide guy was so nice, stay overnight or 2 in Kastraki village, eat at Gardenia Taverna

    SydneyCristos
    September 19, 2022
  • 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 ratingThe trip is well organized and easy to book. The guide and the rest of the team are very nice and knowledgeable. They have interesting stories to tell about the... read more

    avatar thumb chaszy_gal
    February 3, 2023

    star ratingI was joining the 29/10/23 Meteora Thrones Day Trip.
    The trip was Excellent. I would like to thank our Tour Guide on that day ~ Clement from Canada. Feel to... read more

    avatar thumb GarySeow
    October 30, 2023
Meteora Location in Greece
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