Monasteries and churches in Meteora

Meteora's monastic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched atop towering sandstone pillars. Dating back to the 14th century, these structures served as refuges for monks seeking solitude. This collection includes active monasteries like Holy Trinity and Roussanou, alongside historic cave hermitages like Agios Georgios Mandilas and ancient Byzantine churches. Visitors can explore unique post-Byzantine frescoes, sacred relics, and architectural feats that blend into the vertical landscape of central Greece.

Monasteries and Churches — Map

Thomas Depenbusch / CC BY 2.0

A

The Holy Trinity Monastery

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in central Greece, situated in the Peneas Valley northeast of the town…

Ava Babili / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is an Eastern Orthodox monastery that is part of the Meteora monastery complex in Thessaly, central…

C

St Nickolas

A small hermitage built into the rock face, part of the Badovas group of cave dwellings used by monks for seclusion.

Luca Risso / CC-BY-SA

D

Virgin Mary

An 11th-century Byzantine church located in Kalabaka, featuring a unique marble pulpit and well-preserved 14th-century frescoes.

E

Chapel of Nativity of Mary

Small Orthodox chapel dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, situated at the base of the Meteora rocks.

F

Meteora

The central complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on natural sandstone rock pillars, dating back to the 14th century.

G

The Monastery of St. Barbara or Roussanou

A 16th-century nunnery perched on a low rock, known for its impressive vertical structure and frescoes of the Cretan School.

H

Agios Georgios Mandilas

A cave hermitage famous for the local tradition where climbers hang colorful scarves as offerings to Saint George.

I

Monastery of St Antony

A small, historic monastery and hermitage carved into the rock, reflecting the early ascetic life of the region.

J

Monastery

The most accessible monastery in Meteora, reached via a small bridge. It houses the skull of Saint Charalambos and features a 16th-century church.

K

Chapel of the "Ascension of Christ"

A small Orthodox chapel located near the monastic settlements, used for local religious services and quiet contemplation.

L

Nikolaus Bantowa

A multi-level cave monastery dating to the 14th century, built into the hollows of the Badovas rock.

M

Cell of Constantius

A traditional monastic cell used by hermits, illustrating the secluded lifestyle of the early Meteora monks.

N

I. N. Petrou kai Paulou

An Orthodox church dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, serving the local community near the rock pillars.

O

Agios Georgios

A small Greek Orthodox place of worship dedicated to Saint George, situated among the historic hermitages.

P

Saint George

A small shrine or naiskos dedicated to Saint George, located near the cave hermitages of the Kastraki area.

Q

Hermitage of Saint Gregory the Theologian

An ascetic hermitage located within a cave on the Pixari rock, used by monks since the 14th century for solitary prayer.

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