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 ratingThe best place to visit. A good tour operator. Majestic views. Good natured driver and guide. Informative.

    Kkorias
    October 14, 2022

    star ratingExcellent, well organised trip by meteora thrones. Amazing views from our hotel and then on the sunset tour that evening. We opted for the 3 hour hike the... read more

    NESmallFurriesRe2018
    May 2, 2022

    star ratingI did the 4 hour tour after arriving by train the day before. I don't usually (ever!) do tours but this was very well priced and I thought a convenient... read more

    avatar thumb Kerrylan
    February 8, 2023
  • 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 ratingI would 110% recommend it. I had an amazing time. I would like to take thank Cristantino and Christo for a job well done tour. You both fantastic, very helpful... read more

    JhunneS2
    October 15, 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 ratingOn 28th of April when arriving to Kalambaka I had booked in advance a Sunset Tour. There were only three of us attending and I cannot praise enough our guide... read more

    Henttan
    May 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 ratingMeteora is a must see.  - A definite bucket list destination! Magical and majestic. Our guide Christos was Excellent. He was both our driver and guide and he was outstanding. The next... read more

    MMac73088
    November 26, 2022
  • 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 ratingIt was amazing... I wanted to see the sunset in Meteora ever since I heard about the area, and I can say with absolute certainty that I wasn't disappointed. Everyone... read more

    shawnsB5250JW
    November 9, 2022

    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 ratingMy grandmother booked a private Meteora tour and was the best choice she could make! Meteora was a breathtaking experience but of course we owe it to our wonderful guide,... read more

    Taylor D
    July 10, 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 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 ratingWe did the half day morning monastery tour from Kastraki and really enjoyed it. The guide was very knowledgeable and his English was excellent, the driver was very safe, and... read more

    avatar thumb Marnirk
    January 23, 2023

    star ratingexcellent guide, amazing tour. - If you are in Meteora for the first time and if you can afford it - this is definitely the best tour. Antonis made sure to cater for everyone's interests... read more

    agnemama
    March 21, 2023
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