The old Chapel of Doupiani

The Old Chapel of Doupiani – The Spiritual Seed of Meteora Monasticism

Before the grand monasteries were built atop the cliffs of Meteora, it all began here — at Doupiani, the sacred rock where the region’s first monastic community gathered in the 11th century. The humble Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Doupiani is more than a ruin; it is the foundation stone of Meteora’s spiritual legacy.

The first skete (hermitages) in the region of Meteora appeared on the low rock of Doupiani around the 9th century A.D. Later on, reasons of safety and security urged the first monks to abandon them and settle on higher rocks. In the late 12th century a small church called Panaghia Doupiani (Virgin Mary of Doupiani) was built on the foothills of this low rock.

It became the focal point in which all hermits would gather to attend the Sunday liturgy some 2 centuries before the idea of building the first monastery of Meteora. Some indicative dates as to when exactly the hermit monks arrive into the area are either the 9th or the 10th century. At the end of the 11th century and early 12th, a small ascetic community was already established around Meteora.

Why This Place Still Matters

Doupiani is not a tourist site, but a sacred site
It connects visitors to the ascetic origins of Meteora — before there were roads or buildings
Great spot for spiritual reflection, prayer, or simply absorbing the silence of centuries past
Often missed by tour buses, making it a true hidden gem for mindful travelers

How to Get There

Located near the village of Kastraki, just a 15–20 minute walk from the town center
The path is easy and passes through pine woods and olive groves
Often included in Meteora half-day sightseeing tour

Discover this hidden monastery by joining the Half-Day Sightseeing tour.

Visit 3 main monasteries of Meteora and discover the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of this area. This Meteora Half-day Sightseeing Tour will take you back to the dark ages and the story of the first hermits and monks, who laid the foundations of what later on became the monastic community of Meteora.

35€ 25€ Most Monasteries

Meteora Monasteries Tour: Half-Day Sightseeing Experience 613 reviews

Cultural Deals 4 hours

Meteora Half-day Tour will take you back to the dark ages and stories of the first monks.

During that period the hermits of Meteora saw the need to gather around a place of their own in order to attend the Sunday’s liturgy. So they decided to erect a small church dedicated to Theotokos that quickly became the center of their worship.

This church is also referred to it as the “Kyriako” translated into Sunday’s, or “Protato” meaning the first. This church of Theotokos (Virgin Mary), known also among the locals as the chapel of Doupiani, still preserves significant frescos from the 13th century.

Owing to the magnificent view of this location, a new district with traditional houses, small but modern hotels, and well-known tavernas emerged around Doupiani, in the picturesque village of Kastraki.

What You’ll See Today

A humble stone chapel nestled at the base of the rock of Doupiani
Partial walls and preserved fresco fragments
A peaceful forested setting, with viewpoints of the cliffs above
Ideal for quiet reflection and cultural photography

🎯 Tip: Visit in the early morning or near sunset for soft lighting and peaceful solitude.

Location of old chapel of Doupiani on the Map

FAQ - The Old Chapel of Doupiani

What is the Old Chapel of Doupiani?

It is one of the oldest surviving religious structures in the Meteora region, believed to be the first gathering place for the area’s hermit monks in the 11th–12th century.

Can visitors enter the chapel?

Entry may be restricted due to preservation concerns, but you can approach the site, observe its architecture, and view the surroundings on foot.

Is Doupiani part of a larger hiking route?

Yes — it is often included in sunrise or sunset hikes, especially those exploring the hermit caves or lower trails around Kastraki.