Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
Orthodox monastery in Meteora, Greece, the largest and oldest of the rock monasteries.
🌐 meteoromonastery.gr🕒 09:30-15:00; Tu off; Nov-Mar Th-Mo 09:30-14:00; Nov-Mar Tu-W
Plizio Visual Lab
Great Meteoron Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
The Great Meteoron Monastery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis of Christ, is the largest and oldest of the monasteries in Meteora, Greece. Founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, it is perched on a massive rock formation approximately 613 meters above sea level. The monastery served as a prominent center for Orthodox monasticism and played a crucial role in preserving Greek culture and religious traditions during periods of foreign rule. Its main cathedral, the Katholikon, features exquisite 16th-century frescoes and an intricately carved wooden iconostasis. Visitors must climb more than 300 steps carved into the rock to reach the entrance, offering dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The complex includes a museum, ancient kitchens, and a library containing rare manuscripts, reflecting its historical wealth and importance. It remains an active religious site and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, attracting visitors from all over the world.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron · Ypsilotera monastery · Hagia Moni
- Nearby: Trikala (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 62 | 60 | 40 | 43 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 60 | 74 | 79 | 90 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Great Meteoron Monastery is open to visitors, accessed via a steep climb. The church and museum inside can be visited; the monastery is still partially inhabited.
Typical hours
Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours in summer. The monastery is typically open daily, with shorter hours in winter and on holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and surroundings. Inside the church and some exhibition rooms, photography is often restricted or prohibited.
Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours for the visit. The climb takes an additional 10-15 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the other Meteora monasteries, such as Varlaam Monastery. The nearby town of Kalambaka features accommodation and restaurants.
Getting there
The monastery is accessible by car via a winding road from Kalambaka. Parking is available near the entrance; the final stretch is on foot.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes for the climb and knee-length clothing out of respect for the monks. Visit the monastery in the late afternoon for quieter hours.
Geography
Facts
- Founded around 1340 by Saint Athanasios.
- Situated at an elevation of 613 meters above sea level.
- The Katholikon was decorated with frescoes in 1544.
- The library contains more than 600 rare manuscripts.
- Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
- Visitors must climb exactly 300 steps to reach the top.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Great Meteoron Monastery (10)
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
Orthodox monastery in Meteora, Greece, known for its frescoes and rock-top location.
🌐 meteora-greece.com🕒 09:00-16:00; Fr off; Nov-Mar Sa-We 09:00-15:00; Nov-Mar Th-F
Holy Monastery of St. Nikolaos of Anapafsas
Orthodox monastery in Meteora, Greece, a small monastery with 16th-century frescoes.
Dragon cave
Cave in Meteora, Greece, a natural rock cave in the Meteora rocks.
St. John Baptist (Prodromos)
Archaeological site in Meteora, Greece, ruins of a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
ERGON DASIKES UPERESIAS 1964
Monument in Meteora, Greece, a commemorative stone for forestry work from 1964.
Dupiani
Rock in Meteora, Greece, a prominent rock peak in the monastery landscape.
Monks' prison
Cave in Meteora, Greece, a natural rock cavity once used as a prison for monks.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many steps do you have to climb?
There are about 115 to 300 steps carved into the rock to reach the summit.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered; women must wear long skirts (loaner skirts often available at the entrance).
When is the monastery closed?
Great Meteoron is usually closed on Tuesdays in summer, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in winter.
Is photography allowed inside the church?
Photography inside the church rooms with frescoes is strictly forbidden, but allowed in outdoor areas.
What is special about this monastery?
It is the oldest, largest, and highest-situated of all the Meteora monasteries.
Great Meteoron Monastery: where is it located?
Great Meteoron Monastery is located in Greece.
Great Meteoron Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, Ypsilotera monastery, Hagia Moni.
Great Meteoron Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Great Meteoron Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Meteoron Monastery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis of Christ, is the largest and oldest of the monasteries in Meteora, Greece.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Greece →
Nearby cities
Larissa
Larissa is the capital of the Thessaly region and lies on the banks of the Pineios River.
Ioannina
Ioannina lies on the shores of Lake Pamvotis in the Epirus region.
Trikala
Trikala is a city in Thessaly crossed by the Lithaios River.
Katerini
Katerini is a dynamic city in Macedonia located at the foot of Mount Olympus.
Agrinio
Agrinio is the largest city in Aetolia-Acarnania and a historic center for the tobacco industry.
Veria
Veria is a historic city in Central Macedonia with a rich Byzantine past.
Corfu Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Venetian architecture, majestic fortresses, and elegant arcades.
Kozani
Kozani is a city in Western Macedonia famous for producing high-quality saffron (Krokos).
Ptolemaida
A major industrial and energy hub in Western Macedonia, known for its vast lignite mines and power plants, set in a wide plateau.
Giannitsa
The largest city in the Pella regional unit, Central Macedonia.
Naoussa
A city on the eastern slopes of Mount Vermio, known for its wine and waterfalls.
Edessa
Edessa is known as the 'City of Water' in Macedonia.
Florina
Florina is located in northwestern Macedonia along the Sakoulevas River.
Alexandreia
Alexandreia, located in the heart of the fertile plain of Imathia, Greece, is a modern agricultural hub close to important archaeological…
Kastoria
Kastoria is picturesquely situated on a peninsula in Lake Orestiada.
