Badovas Hermit Caves
Μπάντοβας
A cluster of ancient hermit caves in the cliffs near Kastraki, where wooden ladders and rock-cut dwellings reveal Meteora's earliest life of ascetic devotion.
Badovas Rock lies on the south side of Kastraki village. High on its cliffs are numerous hermit caves, known locally as the 'monks' prisons', dating back as far as the 11th century. The monks climbed in and out using rope and wooden ladders, lived alone in the caves in ascetic devotion, and gathered only on Sundays for worship. The caves also include remains of the small Monastery of St. Nicholas Badovas. Visitors can look up at the cave mouths from below, and the best viewpoint is along the path from the village toward Kalambaka. Going deeper into the caves requires professional climbing gear and a guide, so ordinary visitors should never attempt it. It is often a stop for a sunset viewpoint or a hiking route.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day
Nearby sights
- Church of the Dormition, Kalambaka
- Kastraki Village
- Kalambaka
- Holy Spirit Rock (Agio Pnevma)
- Doupiani Rock & Chapel
- Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum
- Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity