The Monastery of Agios Stefanos

Agios Stefanos Monastery – Meteora’s Most Accessible Monastic Jewel

The monastery of Agios Stefanos, also known as St. Stephen, is the most accessible of all the Meteora monasteries. Visitors can easily reach its entrance by crossing a small bridge, making it an ideal destination for those with mobility issues who wish to experience the beauty and spirituality of a Meteora monastery without the challenge of steep steps.

The history of the monastery of Agios Stefanos dates back to the early 12th century when the first hermit monks settled on the cliff. Key figures in its development include Hosios Antonios in the first half of the 15th century and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated and rebuilt the monastery’s original Catholicon in 1545, transforming it into the stunning church we see today.

A visit to the monastery of Agios Stefanos offers not only a glimpse into the rich history of monastic life but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-see on your journey to Meteora.

Useful info - Timetable

Summer timetable
Visiting Hours: 9:00 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 17:30. The monastery stays closed on Mondays.
Winter timetable
Visiting Hours: 9:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00. The monastery stays closed on Mondays.
Contact Number
+30 24320 22279
Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monastery. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts and shawls are available at the entrance in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.

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The Monastery of Agios Stefanos is a remarkable destination that boasts two stunning chapels. The first, a historic 15th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Steven, suffered significant damage during World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War.

The second is the main cathedral, built in the 18th century, dedicated to Saint Charalambos, which houses his revered holy relics. Like many Greek Orthodox monasteries, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos holds the holy relics of its saints in its main chapel. Visitors are captivated not only by the spiritual significance but also by the breathtaking views this monastery offers.

Perched 300 meters above the ground, it overlooks the expansive valley of Thessaly, the meandering river Pinios, and the majestic Pindos mountain range. For those eager to dive deeper into the rich myths and intricate history of the Monastery of Agios Stefanos, we invite you to join one of our top-rated Meteora tours. Our knowledgeable guides ensure you won’t miss any fascinating details during your visit. Experience the beauty, spirituality, and history of the Monastery of Agios Stefanos today!

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Stephen’s Monastery

Is St. Stephen’s Monastery accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, it is the most accessible Meteora monastery. A small footbridge leads directly to the entrance with no major stairs.

Can you visit St. Stephen’s Monastery all year round?

Generally yes, though it is closed on Mondays and may have shorter hours during winter. It’s best to confirm before your visit.

How long should I plan to spend here?

Around 30–45 minutes is ideal for walking the grounds, visiting the chapel, and enjoying the views.

How many stairs for each monastery?

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Great Meteoro are the less accessible (over 300 steps). Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140. Some of the monasteries apart the staircases requires uphill walking in paved paths. The Holy Monastery of St Stephen is connected with a walking bridge, thus making it more accessible than any other monastery.

What is the Entrance fee for the monasteries?

In each monastery there is an entrance fee of 5 euro per person. Kids up to 12 years old they don’t pay entrance fees in the monasteries.

Should I take the car to drive to monasteries or is better using other means?

There are many reasons not to want to drive while exploring Meteora — like if you’re not confident driving on the opposite side of the road, your spouse is a terrible copilot and you just want to have fun instead of arguing; or if you want to enjoy the scenic road and not to feel stress about the narrow and curvy roads. Lack of parking space outside the monasteries is especially frequent phenomenon during the pick period in the summer. So by joining one of our tours might save you a lot of headaches and unwanted distractions.

Location of Agios Stefanos Monastery on the Map

Explore an UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Monastery of Varlaam

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Located very close to Great Meteoro Monastery, it was founded in the mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam. Varlaam managed to climb on the cliff around 1350 and followed by a few other monks he was able to establish the monastery.

The Monastery of Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) at Meteora is one of the most photographed monuments in the area. At the same time, it’s the most difficult to reach. Those who will attempt to reach it will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, also known as the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas, is the first monastery open to the public on the way to Meteora from Kastraki Village. Founded at the end of the 14th century.

The Monastery of Great Meteoron

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, located at Meteora, Greece, is the biggest and oldest of all. It is called the monastery, which remains “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the cliff formation of a gigantic rock on top of which it was built.

The Monastery of Roussanou

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, situated in Meteora, was founded in the 14th century. It received the name probably from the first hermit-monk who settled on the rock during that period. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century.