Agios Stefanos Monastery
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
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 Visiting The Monasteries
The opening hours often change from year to year, so beware when relying on information provided in guidebooks or general websites. We will try to do our best in keeping the timetable of visiting times and days of monasteries up-to-date. Check the opening hours of Meteora monasteries here.
Before we answer this question we have to specify that everything should be taken into account. It depends on how fit you are, the transportation and time available, weather conditions ect. Most people are able to visit between 2 to 4 monasteries per day. The few visitors who visit all 6 of them within one day are missing out a magical, more slow-paced adventure. We recommend at least 2 days stay in Meteora.
Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. 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 to borrow or buy at the entrance of monasteries in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.
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.
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 Agios Stefanos Monastery on the Map
Check More Monasteries of Meteora
The Monastery of Holy Trinity
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The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
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The Monastery of Roussanou
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The Monastery of St. Nikolaos
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