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 ratingAn unforgetable tour - There was no train so the trip from Athens to Meteora and back was by bus. I must recommend this tour because it is very interesting, the visit included three... read more

    OnAir25653452
    November 10, 2023

    star ratingGeorge was an informative and engaging guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and monasteries. The bus was comfortable with a safe driver and plenty of time was given... read more

    traveller3128
    September 6, 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 ratingBeautiful weather, perfect amount of time at each monastery, and good information from Giannis the tour guide

    anuragk612
    April 30, 2022

    star ratingA must do, especially when short on time in Meteora. - We had a wonderful time with Meteora Thrones. We traveled as a family and know that tours with children can add extra stressors to guides and other participants. There was... read more

    ahornik88
    October 7, 2023

    star ratingWhat makes a tour good or bad is the tour guide. Therisa was excellent! She is knowledgeable, friendly, very personable and funny. It definitely was worth the four hour... read more

    CrabV
    May 15, 2022
  • star ratingLoved this experience! - This was a fantastic day trip! The sights are incredible to see in person and the monasteries are works of art. Lots of steps but worth it!

    KLafortune
    October 28, 2023

    star ratingAwesome and great experience - The 2D 1N trip allowed us to see 5 monasteries and to experience the day and evening beauty of Meteora. It gives us extended time to truly appreciate the beauty... read more

    Shih Kiat C
    December 6, 2022

    star ratingGreat tour! - Clement was our guide, and he was absolutely wonderful! I think the driver deserves some mention here too, because WOW! I wouldn't want to drive a bus in that area!... read more

    kef537
    December 30, 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 ratingMeteora sight seeing - Worth the long train ride!! Meteora is gorgeous. It would of been nice to stay longer but we only planned 1 day but could easily spend 2-3 days there. April... read more

    beljess4
    April 17, 2023

    star ratingWe did Tha half day tour and it was great. Really complete for the ones that are short of time, as you have the opportunity to visit half of... read more

    rgirao1974
    August 17, 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 ratingWe had Clement from the Meteora Thrones Travel Center. Clement was the epitome of professionalism as a tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable of the sites, local area (being... read more

    avatar thumb 10028TA
    December 25, 2022

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

    Melanie s
    February 1, 2022
  • star ratingThis has to be the best way to do a guided tour of Meteora. My wife and I are traveling the world and don’t do a lot of touristy group... read more

    269raym
    August 9, 2022

    star ratingWe were unfortunate to find a foggy day but it was compensated by Clemont - best tour guide. He was very warm and professional. He explained the history of the... read more

    avatar thumb Sudmazzu
    December 16, 2022

    star ratingThe place is excellent incredible views
    Time perfect for the activities
    Elena, the guide Is EXCELLENT, she knows very much about this place, good speaking in Spanish and English... read more

    jldiazq
    October 6, 2022
Meteora Location in Greece
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