Breathtaking and hard to believe that these monasteries are still working. It is a long trek to get to the six active monasteries set on giant sandstone rock pillars between the 14th and 16th centuries.
The byzantine monasteries are surrounded by spectacular landscapes and steep rock outcroppings. The word Meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this describes these unbelievable Greek Orthodox monasteries. Set just outside the small quaint town of Kalabaka, the rocks rise up to heights of 600 meters and represents one of the most important communities in Greece.
In 1988, the Meteora monasteries were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
When you arrive, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water and dress appropriately. You should be in decent shape because the hike up is difficult but so worth the hike.
Which Monastery to visit?
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and the oldest and largest one to visit. This monastery was founded before mid-14th century (approx. 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites.
The Monastery of Varlaam
This is the second largest monastery of Meteora. Located close to the Great Meteora Monastery, founded in mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam.
In the 9th century, hermit monks settled into the nearby rock caves and began a life of solitude and prayer. Many centuries later, a monk called Athanasios Koinovitis from sacred Mount Athos, traveled to Thessaly in search of the hermit monks, and was the one to initiate the construction of the first monastery, Great Meteoron.
The monasteries provided great protection during the Turkish invasions through the years and especially in the 14th century. By this time there were over 20 monasteries in Meteora, but only 6 operate at this time.
THE MONASTERY OF ST. BARBARA OR ROUSSANOU
The Monastery of St. Barbara or Roussanou
A must see & hike. This monastery was named Roussanou probably for the first hermit monk who settled on the rock around the 14th century. It is one single building (very small inside), occupying the entire available surface of the cliff. It literally looks like the building is carved right out of the cliff and it is an extension of the rock itself.
As you enter this building you escape back in time. The small chapel is adorned with beautiful paintings on the walls and ceiling. A monk who lived there at the time and was very skilled did the majority of the artwork.
In 1988, this monastery became a convent and today more than 15 nuns live in the small & cozy space.
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