The Holy Monastery of Roussanou
The Monastery of Roussanou sits on a narrow rock pillar, one of the six active monasteries in Meteora.
🌐 roussanou.gr🕒 10:00-16:30; We off; Nov-Mar Th-Tu 10:00-14:00
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Meteora Monasteries
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Landmark
Meteora is a remarkable formation of sandstone rock pillars in central Greece, atop which a complex of Orthodox monasteries was constructed starting in the 14th century. The name Meteora literally means 'suspended in the air', aptly describing the dramatic location of the buildings above the town of Kalambaka. Hermits first sought refuge in the natural caves of the rocks in the 11th century, before the first major monastery, Megalo Meteoro, was founded in 1344 by Athanasios Koinovitis. During their peak in the 16th century, there were 24 monasteries, providing sanctuary from Ottoman incursions and accessible only by rope ladders or nets. The architecture of the monasteries is characterized by Byzantine influences, featuring elaborate frescoes and precious manuscripts in their museums. Since 1988, the entire complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors annually. Today, six of the monasteries remain active and open to the public, maintaining strict dress codes for visitors.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: The Holy Monastery of Roussanou · Dragon cave · The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
- Nearby: Trikala (22 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 Meteora monasteries are open to the public, and you can enter both the courtyards and the interior chapels. Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code, covering shoulders and knees, and women may need to wear a skirt provided at the entrance.
Typical hours
The monasteries usually open around 9:00 am and close between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm depending on the season. It is advisable to check the current schedule online as some monasteries may close for religious holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyards and exterior areas, but flash photography is prohibited inside the churches. Tripods may require a special permit, and be respectful of monks and other visitors.
Time needed
Plan for at least three to five hours to visit two or three monasteries, including travel time between them. The site is large and requires walking on uneven paths and many steps.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the town of Kalambaka at the foot of the rocks, which has restaurants and hotels. For a longer stay, explore the nearby hiking trails or visit the monasteries of Meteora as part of a day trip from Athens.
Getting there
The easiest way is to take a bus from Athens to Kalambaka (approx. 4.5 hours) and then a local bus or taxi to the monasteries. Alternatively, drive or join a guided tour from nearby towns.
Insider tip
Start your day early, ideally before 9 am, to avoid the large tour groups that arrive later. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the paths involve many steps and there is limited shade.
Geography
Facts
- The sandstone pillars were formed about 60 million years ago by river erosion and deposits.
- The largest monastery, Megalo Meteoro, is situated at an altitude of 613 meters.
- Before the 1920s, the only way to reach the monasteries was via rope ladders or nets.
- Today, six monasteries remain active: five for monks and one for nuns.
- Meteora was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
- The 1981 James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only' featured scenes filmed at the Holy Trinity monastery.
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 Meteora Monasteries (10)
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
The Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest of the Meteora monasteries and houses a significant library.
🌐 meteora-greece.com🕒 09:00-16:00; Fr off; Nov-Mar Sa-We 09:00-15:00; Nov-Mar Th-F
Monks' prison
The Monks' Prison is a cave in Meteora that served as a hermitage and retreat.
Ypsilotera monastery
Ruins of a former monastery on a high rock in Meteora.
Kalambaka valley viewpoint
Viewpoint overlooking the valley of Kalambaka and the rocks of Meteora.
Monastery of St Modestus (ruins)
Ruins of the Monastery of St Modestus, one of the oldest in Meteora.
Modi
Modi is a prominent rock formation in Meteora, popular with climbers.
Holy Monastery of St. Nikolaos of Anapafsas
The Monastery of St. Nikolaos Anapafsas is the first monastery reached on the path to the Meteora monasteries.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many monasteries can still be visited today?
There are six active monasteries that are open to the public.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered; women usually wear long skirts (available on-site).
Can you walk from one monastery to another?
Yes, there are trails, but the distances and elevation changes are demanding.
Are the monasteries open every day?
No, each monastery has a different closing day during the week; check the current schedule.
What is the best way to reach Meteora?
By train or bus from Athens to Kalambaka, the town at the base of the cliffs.
Meteora Monasteries: where is it located?
Meteora Monasteries is located in Greece.
Meteora Monasteries: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, Dragon cave, The Holy Monastery of Varlaam.
Meteora Monasteries: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Meteora Monasteries: why is it worth visiting?
Meteora is a remarkable formation of sandstone rock pillars in central Greece, atop which a complex of Orthodox monasteries was constructed starting in the 14th century.
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