Prepare yourself for a lifetime experience. A unique geological phenomenon that would be worth visiting if it was just for the natural beauty of it, but the thing is that on top of those rocks exist wonderful monasteries. Monasteries that look like impossible buildings (like an Esser’s drawing), continue right from where the rock ends. But they‘re very real, standing there suspended in time, in space, floating above what is “normal” or “real”. A little before we arrive at Meteora you begin to see Kalabaka, the beautiful small town that lies at the feet of these majestic rocks. Of course, you cannot miss a rocky formation, a natural wall, already impressive at first sight that hides what’s there to see like a theatre curtain.
There are 6 visitable monasteries. Depending on the day of the week not all of them are open. Most people usually visit 2-3 monasteries. But itinerary can be tailored to your needs even on the spot.
The first Monastery that we visit is Agios Stefanos convent. It lies at the edge of rock for almost 600 years and was founded by Saint Anthony. It is by far the most accessible Monastery of them all.
Secondly one can visit Agia Triada Monastery (Holy Trinity). This is the most inaccessible monastery of them all! A winding stone road stands before most 250 steps.
Then we find Roussanou, whose built-in lower elevation makes it more accessible than others. A convent again with 15 nuns living in it.
Varlaam Monastery is a personal favourite by many. It has been founded more than 650 years ago by a Monk named Varlaam.
The biggest monastery called “The Great Meteoron” was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite in the 14th century. Visiting it involves climbing up a lot of steps and takes more time than visiting others since it is bigger and has more rooms to see.
Agios Nikolaos monastery is small and different. The rock it is built in is small, thus the monastery buildings had to be extended upward instead of outward.
But that’s not all of it! There used to be many more but due to time passing by, bad construction, war, etc most have collapsed over time. Though you can see from the outside a few more. Those we keep a secret for you when you take the Meteora tour from Volos with us. But we will hint you with Candlemas Monastery, Church of Saint John Mandilas, Saint Nicholas Bandovas.