The Monasteries

Hotel Kastraki is located 500m from the first monastery of Agios Nikolaos.

Monasticism in the area of ​​Meteora

Began in the 11th century, when monks fled hermits from Mount Athos, Thessaly and came to the ascetic caves huge rocks. This continued until the 14th century, when Saint Athanasius appeared Meteorite and organized the first cenobitic community by establishing the first monastery of the Great Meteoro. Then also founded other monasteries which are estimated at more than 20. Over the years, and after wars and occupations, most were completely destroyed. Currently there are 6 monasteries. You can still visit a few more beautiful locations where its will see 3 more monasteries, and beautiful churches, which survive from the Byzantine era. Such areas are Doupiani, where its is the Byzantine church of Zoodochos source region of bantova the monastery of St. Nicholas, St. Anthony and Chapel of Our Lady. Also worth seeing the church of St. George scarf.

Monasteries that someone can visit

Great Meteoron Monastery. The most famous and important of the Meteora monasteries, Great Meteoron has a large church topped by a 12-sided dome and decorated with elaborate frescoes. It was erected in the mid-14th century.

Varlaam Monastery. This popular Meteora monastery features a pleasant garden and a friendly monk who often chats with visitors there.

Agia Triada Monastery. Became famous by James Bond movie, this is perhaps the most dramatically positioned Meteora monastery. It is perched atop a slender pinnacle and accessible only by 140 steep steps.

Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery. This little 14th-century monastery of the Meteora is approached by a relatively gentle path. Inside it features splendid frescoes by famed Cretan painter Theophanes the Monk.

Agios Stefanos Monastery. This active nunnery in the Meteora contains an important relic: the head of St. Charalambos, whose powers include warding of illness

Roussanou Monastery. An active nunnery in the Meteora with a pleasant courtyard, accessible by a new bridge

Opening hours of the Holy Monasteries

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