Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Μονή Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά
A multi-storey monastery built on a narrow rock pillar, home to 16th-century frescoes by the Cretan master Theophanes.
The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas lies near the village of Kastraki and is the first monastery you encounter after entering the rock formations. Because the top of its pillar is so small, the monastery could only grow upwards, creating an unusual multi-storey structure. Its most precious treasure is the frescoes painted in 1527 by Theophanes the Cretan in the Church of St. Nicholas, of which 'Adam Naming the Animals' is especially famous. The monastery is looked after by only one or two monks, so it is small, attracts relatively few visitors and has a peaceful atmosphere. The visit involves climbing about 150 steps, and the small platform at the top has wide views over Great Meteora and Varlaam. Admission is about 3 to 5 euros, and it is traditionally closed on Fridays.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00-16:00 (summer); usually closed Fridays
Nearby sights
- Monastery of Great Meteoron
- Doupiani Rock & Chapel
- Varlaam Monastery
- Holy Spirit Rock (Agio Pnevma)
- Roussanou Monastery
- Kastraki Village
- Monastery of Ypapanti
- Sunset Viewpoints (Psaropetra, Sunset Rock)