Meteora Monasteries – 8 Wonders of the World

Meteora Monasteries are one of the largest monastic complexes in Greece, located in the middle of the Thessaly Plain, in the heart of Greece. Meteora are massive rocks with monasteries on top, and it is one of the most amazing Orthodox shrines in the world.

The word “meteor” is translated from ancient Greek as “floating in the air”. The nearest large settlement is Kalambaka (Thessaly region), located at the foot of Meteor. The largest monastery complex in Greece consisted of 24 monasteries.

The monastic center flourished until the XVII century, now there are only four active male Orthodox monasteries ("Great Meteor", "St. Nicholas Anapavsas", "Varlaam", "Holy Trinity") and 2 female ("Rusanu" and "St. Stephen"). To each monastery there is a good paved road and stone steps, which made them an accessible and popular tourist center.

The rocks formed about 60 million years ago. Meteors are huge residual masses of sandstone and conglomerate, which appeared due to the erosion of water and sand.

The journey begins in the early morning from the port of Kerkyra, from where a ferry (1.5 hours on the way) will take you to the port city of Igoumenitsa, located in mainland Greece. Along the way you will admire the sunrise and the beauty of the Ionian Sea. Then the route will continue along the Ignatia highway, which will take us through the tunnels and the road through two regions of Greece (Epirus and Thessaly) to the city of Kalambaka (2 hours 20 minutes). Here we will visit the Icon painting workshop, where you can see how icon painters work, buy icons and souvenirs.

Visit 2 monasteries to choose from

The Great Meteor (Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord) is the highest located large and oldest of the 6 monasteries. It was founded by Saint Athanasius in the early 14th century. There is a rich and valuable collection of manuscripts, icons and holy relics. There are 154 steps to the top of the cliff. In the monastery is kept the icon “Unfading color”. Closed on Tuesdays.

The Monastery of St. Stephen is the richest of the meteor monasteries. It is located on a huge rock towering over the city of Kalambaka. The entrance to this monastery is the most accessible and is carried out on a pedestrian bridge with a length of 8 meters. The monastery contains the relics of the Hieromartyr Saint Charalampius, who is revered as a healer from depression and other mental illnesses. The monastery is closed on Mondays.

The Monastery of St. Varlaam or All Saints is a popular meteor monastery with a beautiful garden and hospitable monks. Here is the miraculous icon “The Mother of God the Mediator”. The monastery is closed on Fridays.

The monastery of Rusanu or St. Barbara is a convent with a cute and cozy courtyard. Getting to the monastery is easy: a beautiful road approaches its foot, and then - not very tedious climbing the stairs. The relics of St. Barbara are kept in the monastery - this is the only saint who holds St. Potyr on the icon, which according to the canons of the Church can not be touched by any of the laity - only a priest. The monastery is closed on Wednesdays.

The Holy Trinity Monastery is a visiting card of Meteor. This is the most inaccessible monastery, but the difficult climb is rewarded with incredible views. Thursday is a day off.

St. Nicholas Monastery - founded in the late 14th century, located near the village of Kastraki and famous for ancient frescoes of the 14th century. Only one monk Polycarp lives here. The monastery is closed on Fridays.

After visiting several monasteries, you will have free time for lunch in one of the national taverns in Kalambak, after which we will return to the port of Igumenitsa, from where the ferry will again take us to Kerkyra.

For women shoulders should be closed, skirts below the knees, men - long pants. At the entrance to each monastery, capes are issued (if necessary).