Rock Of The Great Saint – Meteora’s Hidden Hermit Landmark

The Rock of the Great Saint – Where Solitude Meets the Sky

Rising boldly above the forested slopes near Kastraki, the Rock of the Great Saint (Agios) is a powerful symbol of Meteora’s ascetic origins. This massive rock pillar — still scarred with the signs of early hermit life — invites those who seek more than sightseeing. It offers solitude, raw beauty, and a direct connection to the monastic soul of Meteora.

This is the highest of all Meteora cliffs, with a height of 630 m (1890 ft) above sea level. It rises above the modern town of Kalabaka. A path leading up to the tower of Aghia, meaning “Great Saint” starts from the old quarters of the village Kastraki.

The ruins of an ancient tower are located on the peak of a rock called Aghia and played an important role as a safe place for the locals. Later on, the first monks also used this massive cliff to settle on top. Today, this hidden trail has become an amazing hiking experience. It’s quite a challenge and of a great adventure that appeals mostly to active individuals with good fitness levels.

What You’ll Find Today

Towering vertical rock with carved ledges and shelter cavities
Remnants of a chapel or monastic cell near the summit
Uncrowded trail and spectacular views of the Meteora cliffs and the Thessalian plain
Silence and wild nature — only birds, wind, and your footsteps

📷 Perfect spot for:

Landscape & drone photography
Spiritual hiking
Story-driven video content

What You’ll Find Today

Located behind the village of Kastraki, in the western belt of the Meteora rock forest
Reachable by foot via moderate hiking trails, included in Meteora Adventure: Hiking and Scramble Tour of Great Saint
Requires some elevation gain, not suitable for very young children or limited mobility travelers
Best visited during early morning or late afternoon light

Discover the rock of Great Saint by joining the Hiking and Scramble tour of Great Saint.

This Hiking and Scramble Tour of Great Saint will take you up on the tallest of all Meteora rocks, some 400 meters above the town of Kalampaka, through an ancient winding path upon the rock of Great Saint, a huge rock complex which thousands of years ago was an integral part of the ancient fortifications of the town below.

65€ For Thrill Seekers

Meteora Adventure: Hiking and Scramble Tour of Great Saint 158 reviews

Adventure Deals Hiking Outdoor 3 hours

This Hiking and Scramble Tour of Great Saint will take you on the tallest of all Meteora rocks.

Because of its high difficulty, for safety reasons, it is not recommended without a guide. On the way to the top one passes by the bizarre-looking rock of Adrachti, then proceeds to walk on the rock-carved steps and encounters the rock-carved cisterns before reaching the spot in which a white cross has been placed.

The tower of Aghia initially served as a local “acropolis” during the classical period, a naturally formed impregnable position. When the Ottomans arrived in the 15th century they renamed our town from its strong defensive position and gave its present-day name Kalampaka. The modern name of the town is a minor deviation of the Turkish words Kale-bak meaning prestigious castle.

Where Faith Meets History: A View Over Ancient Aiginion

Did you know? The Rock of the Great Saint stands in silent witness over a region that once shaped the fate of ancient Greece. Just beyond Meteora, in ancient Aiginion (modern-day Kalambaka), the decisive Battle of 168 BC unfolded — ending the 3rd Macedonian War and ushering Roman control into the region. As you gaze from this monastic rock into the valley below, you’re also looking upon the very plains where history changed forever.

👉 Read the full story → The Fall of Aiginion and the 3rd Macedonian War

Location of The Rock of the Great Saint

FAQ - The Rock of the Great Saint

Is the Rock of the Great Saint a monastery?

No — it’s not one of the six active monasteries. It is a hermitic site, possibly once used as a monk’s dwelling and spiritual retreat. There may have been a small chapel or shelter at its summit.

Can I hike there without a guide?

Yes, though the trails are not always clearly marked. We recommend joining a hiking tour for a safer and more informative experience.

Is the site open to the public?

There’s no formal gate or entry — it’s a natural heritage site in open terrain. Visitors should respect the environment and its spiritual past.