Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime. This unique geological phenomenon would be worth visiting for its natural beauty alone, but wonderful monasteries also stand atop the rocks. Like buildings in an Escher drawing, the monasteries seem to continue from where the rock ends. But they‘re very real, standing there suspended in time, in space, floating above what is “normal” or “real”. A little before we arrive at Meteora you begin to see Kalabaka, the beautiful small town that lies at the feet of these majestic rocks. Of course, you cannot miss a rocky formation, a natural wall, already impressive at first sight that hides what’s there to see like a theater curtain.
There are 6 visitable monasteries. Depending on the day of the week not all of them are open. Most people usually visit 2-3 monasteries. But itinerary can be tailored to your needs even on the spot.
The first monastery that we visit is Agios Stefanos convent. It has stood at the edge of the rock for almost 600 years and was founded by Saint Anthony. It is by far the most accessible monastery of them all.
Secondly, one can visit Agia Triada Monastery (Holy Trinity). This is the most inaccessible monastery of them all! A winding stone road stands before most 250 steps.
Then we find Roussanou, which is built at a lower elevation, making it more accessible than others. It is also a convent with 15 nuns living there.
Varlaam Monastery is a personal favorite of many. It was founded more than 650 years ago by a monk named Varlaam.
The biggest monastery called “The Great Meteoron” was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite in the 14th century. Visiting it involves climbing up a lot of steps and takes more time than visiting others since it is bigger and has more rooms to see.
Agios Nikolaos monastery is small and different. The rock it is built in is small, thus the monastery buildings had to be extended upward instead of outward.
But that’s not all of it! There used to be many more but due to time passing by, bad construction, war, etc most have collapsed over time. Though you can see from the outside a few more. We keep those sites secret until you take the Meteora tour from Volos with us. However, here are a few hints: Candlemas Monastery, the Church of Saint John Mandilas, and Saint Nicholas Bandovas.