What To Expect At The Meteora Monasteries: Meteora Guide and FAQs

Located in the Kalambaka region, the Meteora Monasteries are an archeological and geographical phenomena. As if the beautiful, rounded, fingerling cliffs were not enough awe, atop the cliffs stand ancient monasteries built by hermit-monks and are still inhabited! It really it difficult to describe; take a look for yourself.

How Many Monasteries Are There?

There are 6 Monasteries standing today. Some even are still functioning and have monks or nuns living in them! You are able to visit all of the monasteries.

Can You Go Inside The Monasteries?

Yes! You can go inside the Monasteries but there is an entrance fee of 3Euros a person per monastery, and there is a dress code. If you are not dressed modestly they have coverings that you can wear. Once inside there is beautiful stonework and artwork, but unfortunately photography is not allowed.

What Do You Have To Wear To Get Into The Meteora Monasteries?

Modest dress is required for entrance. For men this means pants (no shorts!) and a shirt with sleeves. Short sleeves are okay, just no shoulders! For women this means wearing a conservative skirt and a shirt that covers the upper body and the shoulders.

We also advise that you dress in comfortable shoes as some of the monasteries have a lot of stairs to climb!

What To Expect At Each Monastery

Each monastery is unique and each has its own appeal with stunning views and artworks.

TIP: The Monasteries do have different schedules and days they are closed. If you want to see all the monasteries you likely will need to be there more than one day if you are visiting on a weekday.

The Great Meteoran

The Great Meteoran was built in 1340; it is the largest and oldest of all the monasteries in Meteora. Inside the Monastery they have a folklore museum and they have a display of the net that the monks used to get to the monastery in the early years (which is literally mind blowing – so admirable). They also have the old kitchen and kitchenware that you can view; it is a great way to really imagine the life of a monk in the early years.

Keep in mind that there about 300 steps to climb!

CLOSED TUESDAYS

The Varlaam

The Varlaam Monastery is located next to the Great Meteoron and was first inhabited around 1542. It is the second largest of the monasteries and has the net and tower of the old pully system that would bring provisions and the early monks up to the monastery. There is also a museum and a nice courtyard.

The Varlaam Monastery has 130 steps to climb.

CLOSED FRIDAYS

Saint Stephen (Agios Stefanos)

Saint Stephen’s monastery has incredible panoramic views of Kalambaka. It is currently inhabited by nuns, so there are parts that are blocked off and are more serious about the men’s modesty than some of the others (specifically about needing to wear pants). They have a beautiful chapel and a museum. It was first built around 1350, but its foundations were then built upon further in the 15th century.

Bonus: No steps!!

CLOSED MONDAY

Rousanou (also known as St. Barbara)

Rousanou Monastery is at the top of a cliff in the center of Meteora. It was built in 1529 and is also populated by nuns! This monastery has great views of the other rocks and monasteries. It is not as high up as some of the other monasteries, but is still accessible by stairs.

CLOSED WEDNESDAYS

The Holy Trinity Monastery

The Holy Trinity Monastery was built in 1529 and is located by St. Stephen’s. There is a pathway that leads you down to the140 stairs to the top, but it also has some incredible views and beautiful wall paintings.

BONUS: this monastery was featured at the end of the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only.”

CLOSED THURSDAYS

Saint Nicholas or Agious Nikolaos

Saint Nicholas is at the bottom of Meteora near the Kastraki village. It was built early in the 14th century. This is one of the only Monasteries that has multiple floors; because of the small rock it is built on the builders had to be creative and build more vertically.

Also the Holy Trinity monastery is worth the tour,it was built at 1529 and the Saint Nicholas monastery is really close to Kastraki the old village at the bottom of meteora and it was built during the very early years of the 14th century.

CLOSED FRIDAYS