The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
The first Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, dedicated to the “Transfiguration of our Lord Savior,” is the biggest and oldest of the Meteora monasteries. It was called the monastery, which remains “suspended” (meteoro in Greek), because of the cliff formation of a gigantic rock on top of which it was built. Saint Athanasios the Meteorite founded the Great Meteoro Monastery, or in Greek “Megalo Meteoron,” in the 14th century.
He is celebrated as the first founder of the monastery and the initiator of organized monasticism for the whole region of Meteora. For this reason, this monastery’s foundation is considered a turning point, or even better, the beginning of organized monasticism for Meteora.
Athanasios was born around 1302 in the medieval town of New Patras, today’s Hypati, and his lay name was Andronikos. After becoming a monk, he lived for a few years in Athos before settling on the cliffs of Meteora.
Useful info - Timetable
Summer timetable
Visiting Hours: 09:30 to 15:00. The monastery stays closed on Tuesdays.Winter timetable
Visiting Hours: 09:30 to 14:00. The monastery stays closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.Contact Number
+30 24320 22278- 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 Prince who became a simple monk
The monastery of Great Meteoron celebrates as its second founder a Greek-Serbian Prince named Ioannis Uresis Paleologos. At 22, Ioannis denounced all his royal titles and followed Athanassios to become a monk, receiving the name Joasaph! Joasaph erected an elegant church in the newly founded monastery during the second half of the 14th century. A small part of its wall, which is embedded with the later 16th-century church, is still visible to the visitors.
The main church of the monastery of Great Meteoron was made in the mid-16th century. It is dedicated to the transfiguration of our Lord Savior and is decorated with beautiful 16th-century frescoes. Take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of Greece’s best samples of post-Byzantine art, found inside the church.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the monastery museum, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. The monastery of Great Meteoron offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
If you want to enjoy captivating views and learn more about the history of one of the most important monasteries in Meteora, join our Meteora Half-Day Tour. We will ensure that you won’t miss a thing!
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Meteoron Monastery
No. It is usually closed on Tuesdays. Check the latest schedule if visiting independently. Check the opening hours of Meteora monasteries here.
There are approximately 300 steps — steep but manageable with good walking shoes.
Visitors can explore the church, museum, ossuary, kitchen, and terraces with stunning views.
Absolutely. This is the largest and most complete monastery in Meteora, rich in history and architecture.
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.
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 Great Meteoron Monastery on the Map
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Monastery of Great Meteoron
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, located at Meteora-Greece, is the biggest and oldest one 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 Great Meteoro Monastery or “Megalo Meteoron” was founded in the 14th century by a monk named Saint Athanasios the Meteorite.
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 Roussanou
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, located at Meteora was first established 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 and was decorated thirty years later by a monk who lived at the monastery.
The Monastery of Agios Stefanos
The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders.
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 the panoramic view of the surroundings which is simply captivating!
The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas or Agios Nikolaos is the first active Monastery we encounter on our way to Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.
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