Monastery of Great Meteoron
Μονή Μεγάλου Μετεώρου
The largest and oldest monastery in Meteora, built on the tallest rock pillar at about 613 meters above sea level, with a museum and exquisite frescoes.
The Great Meteoron Monastery (also called the Monastery of the Transfiguration) was founded in the mid-14th century by Saint Athanasios. It sits atop Bralos Lissos, the tallest pillar in Meteora, and is the largest and most important of the six open monasteries.
Highlights include the 16th-century Church of the Transfiguration, whose interior is covered in late Byzantine frescoes, some depicting martyrdom in fairly gruesome detail. You will also see the former kitchen, wine cellar and wooden barrels; the ossuary that stores the skulls of past monks; and a museum displaying hand-copied scrolls, icons and embroidery.
To enter, you descend from the car park and then climb about 300 steps. Visitors of moderate fitness can manage it. You can also see the net-and-winch hoist that monks once used to haul people and supplies up. Before the steps were built in the 1920s, this was the only way up.
Admission is about 3–5 euros. By custom the monastery closes on Tuesdays (winter may bring additional closing days), subject to on-site notices.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–15:00 (summer); usually closed Tue; shorter hours in winter
Nearby sights
- Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
- Varlaam Monastery
- Doupiani Rock & Chapel
- Roussanou Monastery
- Holy Spirit Rock (Agio Pnevma)
- Monastery of Ypapanti
- Kastraki Village
- Sunset Viewpoints (Psaropetra, Sunset Rock)