Six of the original 24 Byzantine monasteries built atop impossibly sheer rock pillars in the Thessalian plain, begun by hermit monks in the 14th century. The UNESCO-listed monasteries contain remarkable post-Byzantine frescoes and are still inhabited by monks and nuns.
Meteora is a group of towering sandstone rock pillars rising above the town of Kalambaka and the village of Kastraki in Thessaly, northern Greece. Hermit monks began living in caves and crevices of the rocks from the 11th century, and the first organised monastery, the Great Meteoron, was founded by Saint Athanasios Meteorites in the mid-14th century. By the 16th century there were 24 monasteries, built on summits that were originally reached by rope ladders and nets. Six remain active today: the Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, St Nicholas Anapausas, Holy Trinity and St Stephen's. The Great Meteoron, Varlaam and the Holy Trinity sit among the best known.
The monasteries preserve post-Byzantine frescoes, many by the Cretan School, including work by Theophanes the Cretan in the Monastery of St Nicholas Anapausas, painted in 1527. The Great Meteoron's katholikon, the main church, dates from 1387-88 and was decorated in the 16th century, and the monastery has a museum with manuscripts, icons, vestments and a historic kitchen. The Monastery of Varlaam, founded in 1541, has frescoes of the 16th century, an old refectory and a wine barrel. Roussanou and St Stephen's are today nunneries, and the latter can be reached by a bridge.
The monks and nuns lived apart from the world, and the sites served as refuges in times of war, including during the Ottoman period and the German occupation in the Second World War, when some were damaged. Stone steps, cut in the 1920s, replaced rope ladders and give access to most monasteries. The Greek Ministry of Culture and the Church conduct restoration, including repair of frescoes and rock stabilisation. The landscape, together with the monasteries, is protected as a mixed natural and cultural World Heritage Site.
Visitors move between the monasteries by road, footpath or tour bus. Each charges a small fee and has its own opening days, so a combined plan is useful. A full visit to two or three monasteries takes a day.
| Admission | €3 per monastery (six monasteries open to visitors) |
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Why it matters
The Meteora monasteries are among the largest and most spectacular complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasticism, built on sandstone pillars from the 14th century. They preserved Byzantine art and manuscripts under Ottoman rule and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- The Great Meteoron, with its 14th-century katholikon and museum
- Frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan at the Monastery of St Nicholas Anapausas
- The Monastery of Varlaam and its 16th-century church
- Sunset views of the rock pillars from the Roussanou and Psaropetra viewpoints
- Hiking trails between the monasteries and Kalambaka
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly: long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders are required at every monastery.
- Check opening days carefully, since each monastery closes on a different weekday.
- Visit at opening time to avoid coach groups at midday.
- Allow a full day for three monasteries, as the steps and road transfers take time.
- Cameras are often restricted inside churches, so ask before photographing frescoes.
When to visit
Spring and autumn offer clear skies and mild temperatures. Sunset is popular for views, while early morning is quieter.
Accessibility
Most monasteries require climbing stone steps, and access for wheelchair users is limited. Visitors with reduced mobility should check conditions in advance and consider which monasteries are easiest to reach.
Frequently asked questions
How many monasteries can be visited?
Six monasteries are open to visitors, each on different days. Most visitors see two or three in a day.
Is the site English-language friendly?
Yes. Information in English is available at the entrances and in the museums, and local guides run English tours.
Can it be visited with children?
Yes, though some monasteries require climbing many steps, which can be difficult for small children.
Are there dress requirements?
Yes. Visitors must cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are sometimes available at the entrances.