Roussanou Monastery
Μονή Ρουσάνου
A nunnery occupying the entire top of a pillar, with walls that appear to hang over empty space on three sides. Seen from a roadside viewpoint, it looks as though it grows out of the rock, making it the most photogenic of the monasteries.
Roussanou Monastery (also called St. Barbara’s Monastery) sits on a relatively low pillar with sheer walls. Its buildings cover nearly the entire rock summit, and their edges merge with the cliff, creating the most dramatic visual effect.
Founded in the 14th century, the monastery’s surviving structures are mainly a 16th-century rebuild. It is now run by nuns, and the grounds are neat and decorated with flowers. The church contains 16th-century frescoes in the Cretan School style.
Access is via two small bridges linking neighboring rocks, followed by an uphill walk and steps of about 10 minutes. It is one of the easier monasteries to reach. Several viewpoints along the ring road capture the whole monastery, especially lovely in the evening sun. Admission is about 3–5 euros. By custom it closes on Wednesdays, subject to on-site notices.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–17:00 (summer); usually closed Wed; shorter hours in winter
Nearby sights
- Varlaam Monastery
- Sunset Viewpoints (Psaropetra, Sunset Rock)
- Monastery of Great Meteoron
- Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity
- Holy Spirit Rock (Agio Pnevma)
- Doupiani Rock & Chapel
- Monastery of Ypapanti