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Destination:

Greece


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topMetéora

Thessaly, 323 miles from Athens. Drive time about 5 hours.

A complex of monasteries built on top of steep rock formations date back to the 11th century. These 'rock' monasteries began as simple cave retreats. How the hermits actually built them is still a mystery. A UNESCO World Heritage site.


Monastery of Megálo Metéoro

+30 (243) 202 2278
Summer Wed-Mon 9am-1pm, 3:30-6pm, closed Tue;
Winter Thu-Mon 9am-1pm, 3-5pm, closed Tue-Wed

The first, and highest, monastery built, this is the largest of the monasteries. The entrance is the cave where the hermit Athanasios once lived. His body is buried in the main church.


Monastery of Varlaám

+30 (243) 202 2277
Summer Fri-Wed 9am-1pm, 3:30-6pm, closed Thu;
Winter Sat-Wed 9am-1pm, 3-5pm, closed Thu-Fri

The second largest of the monasteries, this monastery is named after the first hermit to live on the rock. Known for its frecoes. The old refrectory is used as a museum.


Monastery of Rousánou

+30 (243) 202 2649
Summer 9am-5:45pm daily;
Winter Thu-Tue 9am-1pm, 3-5pm, closed Wed

Spectacularly located on the tip of a narrow spire of rock and renowned for its frescoes, this monastery is dedicated to Saint Barbara.


Monastery of Agíou Nikoláou

+30 (243) 202 2375
Apr-Oct 9am-6pm daily
Closed Nov-Mar

The first monastery you will see as you reach Meteora is dedicated to St Nicholas.


Monastery of Agíou Stefánou

+30 (243) 202 2279
Summer Tue-Sun 9am-1pm, 3:30-6pm;
Winter Tue-Sun 9am-1pm, 3-5pm
Closed Mon

One of the most accessible monasteries (visitors don't need to climb rock staircases to reach it). The old refrectory and convent are used as museums.


Monastery of Agías Triádas

+30 (243) 202 2220
Winter Fri-Wed 9am-12:30pm, 3-5pm;
Summer Fri-Wed 9am-5:45pm
Closed Thu, sometimes Fri

This monastery is difficult to reach; visitors need to come up through the rock before reaching the entrance.