The obvious and the incredible: Meteora in Greece. The fabulous monasteries of Meteora in Greece - operating temples and order of visiting Meteora monasteries route

Meteora is a complex of monasteries located on top of massive stone pillars in the mountains of Thessaly in Greece, called Meteora (translated as “floating in the air”).

Six active mountain monasteries- one of the shrines of Greece. The first mentions of hermits in mountain caves and their places of prayer date back to the 10th century.

In 1988, the monastic complex of the Meteora mountains in Greece was included in the list World Heritage UNESCO according to several criteria, including as a world cultural significance and natural phenomenon.

The schedule for visiting the Meteora monasteries is established by season: summer season- from April to October, winter - from November to March.

Monastery complex Meteora

The largest of the monasteries is the Great Meteor (also the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord), founded by the Monk Athanasius of Meteor in the 14th century, and for various reasons was subsequently restored more than once. In the Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery, ancient icons and paintings from 1552 have been preserved, and there is a museum of monastic treasures attached to it. The great meteor is located at the very high cliff(approximately 613 meters) with a large platform at the top (area - 6 hectares). Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 17.00, except Tuesdays; in winter - from 9.00 to 15.00, except Tuesday and Wednesday. The schedule of the complex is available on the website.

The Monastery of All Saints was also created in the 15th century on the site of a small church from the mid-14th century, built by the schema-monk Varlaam (hence another common name - the Varlaam Monastery). In this complex, special attention is drawn to ancient mosaics and frescoes, and a museum of collections of rare manuscripts. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 16.00, except Thursday and Friday, in winter - from 9.00 to 15.00, except Friday.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is located against the backdrop of the grandiose landscape of the Meteora rocks - overlooking the green Pindos ridge. The approximate time of construction of the monastery is 1458-1476. Visiting hours: in summer - 10.00 to 17.00, except Wednesday and Thursday; in winter - from 10.00 to 16.00, except Wednesday and Thursday.

On a cliff overlooking the city of Kalambaka, there is convent St. Stephen, entrance to it is accessible only one at a time pedestrian bridge 8 meters long. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 13.30 and from 15.30 to 17.30, except Mondays; in winter - from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00, except Mondays.

The second active nunnery of the Meteora complex is the Rusanou monastery with the Cathedral of St. Barbara. It is located in a very limited area, so from a distance it seems that this is a single building that completely occupies the top of the rock. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 17.45; in winter - from 9.00 to 14.00; on Wednesday the monastery is always inaccessible to tourists.

The monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas has several levels: on the first level the chapel of St. Anthony was built, on the second there is the 16th century church of St. Nicholas, on the third there is a small church of St. John the Baptist, cells and an old refectory. Such a multi-level (“high-rise”) structure of the monastery made it possible to compactly arrange all the necessary prayer and office premises on a small rock. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 15.30; in winter - from 9.00 to 14.00; on Friday the monastery is not accessible to tourists.

How to get to Meteora in Greece

Excursions to Meteora in Greece are available from almost anywhere tourist city countries. In addition, pilgrimage tours are often offered to visit the monasteries.

Options with public transport can also be considered, although they are not always convenient.

From Athens

Trains travel from Athens to Kalambaka; travel time is about 5 hours; schedules and ticket prices can be found on the Greek Railways website. Kalambaka station is the final station, the town is located at the foot of Meteora, and a good asphalt road leads from it to the complex.

The route by bus is slightly different: you need to get from the Athens Liossion bus station to the city of Trikala, some buses go further - to Kalambaka. The schedule is available on the website.

From Thessaloniki

Trains from Thessaloniki depart from Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos Station. Tickets are also available on the website railway, but the route is much shorter and not so tiring: the travel time to Kalambaka is about 3 hours.

Buses from Thessaloniki go to Trikala; the trip can take 3-4 hours depending on the departure time. It is advisable to take a morning flight, but this is the only one; the interval between departures during the day is 2-3.5 hours. Schedule - follow the link.

Google panorama of the monasteries of Meteora, Greece

Video “Meteora Monasteries”

The Meteora monasteries are among the most striking attractions in Greece. This place got its name from the Greek. "Meteora" (Μετέωρα), which literally means "hanging in the air", which perfectly describes these six wonderful Greek Orthodox monasteries.

Story

The sandy peak was first explored by Byzantine hermits in the 11th century, who climbed to the top of the rock to be alone with God. The present monasteries were built in the 14th and 15th centuries, during times of instability and the revival of hermitic ideals.

The grandeur of this place and its natural safety from the invasions of robbers and bandits allowed the creation over time of a large organized monastic community with many monasteries, which grew and strengthened with the help of numerous gifts and contributions. The first monasteries of Great Meteora (Μεγάλου Μετεώρου) appeared in 1340 and by 1500 their number had grown to 24. They flourished until the 17th century, but only 6 of them survive to this day.

Reminder for tourists

The nearest large settlement, Kalambaka (from the Turkish “peak”), located at the foot of Meteora, has all the necessary conditions to receive guests for the night. Alternatively, a day tour from Thessaloniki or Athens is a popular and easy way to visit these places.

Distance from Kalambaka to major cities Greece:

• Athens - 352 km
• Thessaloniki - 237 km
• Volos - 142 km
• Patras - 219 km
• Ioannina - 172 km

There are many in Kalambaka interesting places and attractions, including the following:

1. Byzantine Temple of the Assumption Holy Mother of God erected in the 10th century on the site of an ancient Christian basilica
2. Prehistoric cave Theopetra (Theopetra), in which the world's oldest man-made wall was found
3. Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum
4. Center for Digital Projection of History and Culture Meteor
5. Museum of Greek Education
6. Museum of the Geological Formation Meteor in Kastraki

As for the monasteries, in order to visit all 6 in one day without much rush, it is recommended to start with the monastery of St. Nicholas (Agiou Nikolaou Anapavsa), Varlaam and the Great Meteor (Megalo Meteoro), before lunch break (from 13:00), when the monasteries are closed to visitors. Then, head to Roussana, the monastery of the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) and St. Stephen (Agiou Stefanou) after lunch.

All monasteries have a strict dress code: shoulders must be covered, men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts.

Information

• Visiting time:
• Closed: Tuesday (winter, summer) Wednesday (winter)
• Telephone: (+30) 2432 022-278

• Visiting time: in winter - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00 | in summer - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:20 to 18:00
• Closed: Thursday (winter), Friday (winter, summer)
• Telephone: (+30) 2432 022-277

Nothing like this amazing place I have not met either in Greece or in other countries. The Meteora Monasteries are a place where Nature has invested power and beauty, and people, enjoying the generous gift, strengthen the power of their spirit.

Meteora is a ridge of tall rocks shaped like fingers pointing to the sky. Numerous photographs, even very beautiful ones, do not convey all the beauty and grandeur of this place. When viewed from the ground, the size and shape of the mountains are striking.

On inaccessible rocks one can see amazing creations of human hands, or rather, of the spirit. These are monasteries. Now you can climb them along the road. By car, excursion bus or on foot. And once upon a time, the monks climbed to their cells in the only possible way - by rope.

Using a rope and a net, they lifted stones, beams, and building materials. For decades, they painstakingly and diligently built fortifications, strengthening their spirit. You should definitely visit the monasteries on Mount Meteora!

1. Firstly, the Meteora monasteries and staircases carved into the rocks, all this centuries-old work changes the idea of ​​​​monks and monasticism in general.
2. Secondly, the place imbues those who are there with strength.
3. Thirdly, it is incredibly beautiful. From the mountains, from the monasteries, there is a stunning view of the Thessalian plain.

39.709440 , 21.639150

39.713040 , 21.635607

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas: 39.723849, 21.624752

Varlaam Monastery: 39.725046, 21.630085

Monastery of Rusanu or Monastery of St. Barbara: 39.721679, 21.632069

Great Meteor Monastery (Transfiguration): 39.726453, 21.626544

And this is the Meteor 2 map with paths, campsites, and a train station.

In the previous article we talked about budget option travel, when you can rent not a hotel, but stay in.

On this map you can see campsites - Meteora has a variety of opportunities for tourists. We stayed at the hotel Odysseon, conveniently located, inexpensive, clean. Near which one of the roads and paths leading to the monasteries begins.

Friends, we are now on Telegram: our channel about Europe, our channel about Asia. Welcome)

Active monasteries of Meteora

One of the largest monastic complexes in Greece, famous primarily for its unique location on the tops of the cliffs.

On steep cliffs, 600-800 meters high, formed more than 60 million years ago on the flat surface of the Thessalian plain, as a result of the influence of water, wind and temperature changes, the resulting stone pillars seemed to be suspended in the air, for which they received the name Meteora (from Greek μετέωρα - “floating in the air”), in the 10th century, strong-willed hermits founded monasteries to lead a spiritual life, detached from worldly concerns.

There were a total of 24 such monasteries, isolated from secular settlements.
There are currently 6 active ones left.

4 men's monasteries: Great Meteor (Transfiguration), Varlaam, St. Nicholas Anapavsas, Holy Trinity monasteries.
2 - women's monasteries: Rusanu monastery or the monastery of St. Barbara, St. Stephen.

Other monasteries that existed turned into ruins, and some completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.
All monasteries were isolated from the outside world, communicating with it only when necessary, then hanging a suspended ladder (for lifting building materials, food) or along a special grid to move the monks themselves, if necessary.

Meteors amaze with their beauty, influence the powerful energy of prayerful, holy places and reflect through their incarnation the strength of people leading the spiritual path.

In this slideshow you can see photos of the Meteora monasteries:

Monastery of the Holy Trinity on Meteora

The rock on which the Holy Trinity Monastery stands (Greek: Μονή Αγίας Τριάδος) represents the most impressive view of Meteora: a cliff 400 meters high, at the foot in the depths lies the bed of the Pinyos River, and above it are the peaks of a forested mountain range Pindos.

There is no exact information about the foundation of the monastery; it was built somewhere between 1458 and 1476.
In 1925, under Abbot Nikandra, 140 steps were cut into the rock, which, following the path at the foot of the rock, lead to the monastery.

Monastery of Rusanu (St. Barbara)

Monastery of Rusanu (St. Barbara)

The time of creation of the monastery of Rusan (Greek: Μονή Ρουσάνου) or Arsani (Greek: Αρσάνη) and the origin of its name are unknown for certain. According to one version, the founder of the monastery was a certain Rusanos, a native of the town of Rosana. According to other unconfirmed sources, the monastery was founded in 1288 by hieromonks Nicodemus and Benidikt.

In 1940, the monastery fell into decay and lost its inhabitants. Since 1950, for 20 years, Elder Eusevia from the neighboring village of Kastraki single-handedly preserved the three-story building of the monastery, which currently, in a renewed form, operates as a convent, which received its second name in honor of St. Barbara.

Inner courtyard at Rusanu Monastery

Monastery of Varlaam (All Saints)

Monastery of Varlaam (Greek: Μονή Βαρλαάμ) or All Saints (Greek: Αγίων Πάντων).

In the middle of the 14th century, the schema-monk Varlaam climbed the rock and erected several cells and a small church, which he dedicated to the Three Saints. There he lived until the end of his days in complete solitude. After his death, all the premises remained uninhabited for many years.

In 1518, two brothers, monks Nektarios and Theophanes, who came from the noble Apsarades family from the city of Ioannina, who had previously lived for seven years on the pillar of the Forerunner in the Transfiguration Monastery (Great Meteor) climbed the rock with the sole purpose of restoring the Church of the Three Saints, which had turned into ruins, built by Varlaam. However, after the restoration of the church, the brothers remained on the rock and were gradually joined by other monks, whose number reached 30 by the middle of the 16th century.

The Monastery of St. Stephen (Greek: Αγίου Στεφάνου) is the richest of the Meteora monasteries. It is located on a huge rock overlooking the town of Kalambaka. The entrance to the monastery is most accessible and is via a single pedestrian bridge 8 meters long.

On the stone arch above the entrance to the monastery, until 1927, a slab with the inscription “6770” remained walled up. Jeremiah,” which means that a certain hermit named Jeremiah lived on this rock already in 6770 from the creation of the world, that is, in 1192 from the birth of Christ. Presumably, this hermit and other monks built several cells here, a cistern to collect rainwater, and built a small chapel of St. Stephen. The foundation of the monastery itself dates back to the end of the 14th century. It was built by Anatoly Katakouzinos and Philotheus of Siatinsky, whose images are depicted in a small church on the territory of the monastery.

IN late XIX century, the monastery was inhabited by 31 monks, but by 1960 it was almost empty and in 1961 it was converted into a women's monastery, and today it is thriving.

Monastery of St. Stephen. Sadik

The monastery refectory is used for the display of monastic relics, the most valuable of which include: paten with chalice (1631); many portable icons of the 17th-18th centuries; manuscript of the Divine Liturgy of 1404, written by one of the founders of the monastery.

Monastery of St. Nicholas

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas (Greek του Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά), also called Joyful (Greek Άσμενος). The exact time when the monastery was founded is unknown; presumably, the first monks appeared on this rock in the 12th-13th centuries. The founding of the monastery is attributed to the monk Nikanor, who had the surname Anapavsas (Αναπαυσάς), which was included in the name of the monastery. However, it is possible that the epithet Αναπαυσάς (sedative) is associated with the monastery itself as a place that gives mental and physical peace to the monks and guests of the monastery.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas

The small area of ​​the rock on which the monastery is located forced the monks to place temples, cells and outbuildings on several levels, which creates the impression of a labyrinth.

Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Great Meteor)

Athanasius, later Saint Athanasius of Meteora, had a single goal - the creation of a well-organized monastery in the likeness of those at Athos. In 1334, he gathered 14 monks from the nearby area and climbed the “Platis Litos” (wide stone) - a giant rock 613 meters above sea level, 413 above the level of the town of Kalambaka, starting a truly titanic task for that era - the construction of the first structures of the later famous Monastery "Great Meteor". This monk was the first to define the rules of behavior that the monks had to follow, observing the laws of monastic life in Meteora. It is believed that it was Athanasius who gave these rocks the name “Meteora”.

The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Greek: της Μεταμόρφωσης του Σωτήρος), also known as the Great Meteor (Greek: Μεγάλο Μετέωρο) is located on the highest (613 meters) and largest over the area of ​​the rock (6 hectares). Founded by Athanasius of Meteora around 1340.

The temple contains a large number of valuable icons of the 14th-16th centuries, and in the former refectory there is a museum of monastery treasures. Among the treasures of the monastery, the following stand out: the oldest Greek manuscript from 861; a double-leaf icon of the Mother of God, contribution of Maria Palaeologus, sister of one of the founders of the monastery; part of the Golden Bull with the signature of Emperor Andronikos Palaiologos; a fully embroidered shroud from the 14th century; four icons of the 16th century: the Nativity of Christ, the Crucifixion of Christ, the Passion of Christ, Our Lady of Sorrows.

At the entrance to the monastery there is a dilapidated monastery of St. Athanasius. This is a small building lost in the rock. There, the founder of the monastery lived in a cave, and behind the entrance there is a small chapel and a crypt.

For a safer climb to the monastery, steps were cut into the rock in 1922, but the net is still used to lift provisions and other items necessary for the life of the monastery.

The Meteora monasteries are open to tourists, but pay attention to the schedule: you won’t be able to visit all the monasteries in one day, because... Their visiting schedules are different.
And I don’t recommend going to Meteora for one day. It's worth staying here for at least 3 days. There are museums in the monasteries that are worth visiting.

Also regarding the schedule: in the book of Meteora, which is sold in monasteries and shops, the following schedule is indicated:

Schedule of Meteora monasteries for visiting tourists

All monasteries are open until 18:00, but other information can be seen on the roads:

In any case, you need to go or drive to the mountains in the morning. We got to the monasteries by car.

How to get to the Meteora monasteries

Possible with a tour. From almost any tourist city there is an excursion to Meteora.
Possibly with a group from Russia. Pilgrimage tourism.

You can do it yourself. We went on our own, so we were able to walk around the town at the foot of Meteora, get to know local cuisine, learn a little about habits and character local residents.

One evening we went into a tavern. There was a musical instrument hanging there, apparently a bouzouki. I didn’t see him live and didn’t hold him in my hands. I was wondering what it sounds like. We spoke in sign language with the owner.

As a result, I accompanied the tavern owner on guitar, and he performed intricate passages on bouzouki, playing, of course, sirtaki. Galya and several local residents danced the famous dance. Moreover, Galka did not fall face down in the dirt! She was able to organize a small choreographic group from local residents. In such a cheerful lineup they danced all 26 verses of the dance.

After this spontaneous celebration, the owner and other guests began to bring us jugs of local wine one after another. There were a lot of jugs - the Greeks are generous and hospitable hosts, but, alas, I had to disappoint them. That's it - we wouldn't drink)))

We love traveling on our own precisely for such pleasant opportunities: managing our time, communicating, observing. For those who came to Meteora for one day excursion, there are no such possibilities.

Blog readers asked us questions in letters about how to get to Meteora on their own, without a car. Friends, in the summer in Greece it is very, very hot... I can’t imagine how to travel there without a car. Of course, it is possible to get there, but it will be long, tiring and inconvenient. We are for comfortable travel.

If you want to get to Meteora by public transport and you have studied how to do this conveniently, we ask you to tell us about your experience!

And we leave this amazing place - the Meteora monasteries and move on. K v. Where the soothsayers and priests, with the help of their prophecies, ruled the entire ancient world for many centuries.

The Meteora monasteries, located in Greece, have been known since the 10th century. They have a unique location, rising on the tops of rocks and seeming to grow out of the rock. Their name is translated from Greek as “floating in the air,” which suits these buildings perfectly. Find out how to visit this unique place.

This monastery complex has long been considered one of the most sacred places of Orthodox Christianity.

Where are they located in Greece

The Meteora monasteries are located very close to the city of Kalambaka (2 km) with a population of 8.6 thousand people. The Meteora rocks, where these ancient monasteries were created, are part of the mountains of Thessaly, the northeastern historical region of Greece. These rocks are already 60 million years old and were once the bottom of the sea. At their foot is the Thessalian Plain.

Did you know? The city of Kalambaka is located on the Thessalian plain at the foot of the Meteor rocks. It houses the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, known since the 10th–11th centuries. It was built on the ruins of an early Christian church from the 6th century. The main attractions are the unique marble pulpit in the central part and the frescoes of the 12th and 16th centuries.

History of the monastery complex

Historians believe that the very first hermit in Meteora was a certain Barnabas, who built in 950-970. the first monastery of the Holy Spirit. A little later, the Transfiguration Monastery and the Stagi Monastery were built, which became the basis for the monastic community.

In 1334, the monk Athanasius arrived here from Athos, fleeing from the Catalan corsairs, and began building the first monastery, which he named the Great Meteor (Preobrazhensky). In 1371, Meteora was visited by the ruler of Thessaly, John Uresh, who, after meeting Athanasius of Meteora, renounced the kingdom and became a monk under the name Joasaph.

After the death of Saint Athanasius, he became abbot of the monastery and greatly contributed to the prosperity of Meteora. Their development was also facilitated by the fact that the location made the monasteries inaccessible to conquerors and robbers. In the 16th century, the complex already included 24 monasteries, but many of them gradually fell into disrepair.

The monasteries suffered greatly during the Second World War and the ensuing war. Civil War in Greece (1946–1949).

How to get there

There are regular flights to Greece from airports in Ukraine and Russia. It is best to choose a flight to the mainland of Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki).

Important! Excursions should be carried out in good sunny weather; rainy and foggy weather may prevent you from seeing the beautiful rocky landscapes and the magnificent panorama of the valley.

The distance to Kalambaka from the Greek capital of Athens is 355 km, from the second largest settlement Greece Thessaloniki - 230 km.

From Athens you can get to Kalambaka by three modes of transport:

1. Rented car. This is the most comfortable view transport for a tourist trip, which will get you to Kalambaka in 4 hours 17 minutes. Renting a car at the Athens airport will cost from 25.18 euros per day, gasoline consumption one way will be 28 liters (40–65 euros). There are practically no signs along the road, so you should take care of navigation or find an accompanying person.
2. Railway transport. Most inexpensive option trips - one-way ticket costs 18–24 euros. Trains run daily. Direct flight to Kalambaka number 884 at 8:30, return flight - 885. There are options with transfers.
3. A one-way bus ride will take 6 hours 15 minutes and cost 40 euros. But buses run several times a day (from 7:30 to 15:30).

From Thessaloniki you can get to Kalambaki as follows:

1. Rented car. Renting a car at the airport will cost at least 26.48 euros per day. One way will cost 18 liters of gasoline worth 27–40 euros, and the one-way trip will take 2 hours 34 minutes.
2. Railway transport. Trains run daily and cost €14–€19 for a one-way trip. Travel time is 3 hours 8 minutes. The direct train number 591 leaves at 16:15 and runs once a day, the return train number 590 leaves at 8:19.
3. Buses run 4 times a week and get to the place in 3 hours 15 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is about 20 euros.

In these major cities you can buy yourself tourist trip in Meteora.

In one day you are unlikely to be able to explore all the sights of the rock monasteries, so it makes sense to stay at least one or two nights in local hotels. If you are traveling by train or bus, it is better to immediately decide how far you are going there and buy round-trip tickets - it will cost you less.

From Kalambaka itself you can get to the monasteries in the following ways:

1. They run from 9:00 to 16:00 almost every two hours. They go back an hour later.
2. . In this case, you need to have a navigator.
3. Taxi. It will cost 10 euros one way.
4. On foot. The road to the first monastery will be about 5 km, and it will go up, which can quickly exhaust tourists, and exploring the monastery territories will also require time and effort. For lovers hiking It makes sense to stop in the village of Kastraki - from there it takes 10–15 minutes to walk to the monasteries.

Monasteries today

During the prosperity of the monastic state, there were more than twenty monasteries on Meteora, but now there are only six working ones left - four for men and two for women.

Did you know? The Meteora Monasteries have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 at number 455. They are recognized as a masterpiece of human genius, and at the same time a natural phenomenon of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance. In addition to them, in Greece there are 17 more such monuments under the protection of UNESCO.

The second largest rock monastery is named after the first monk who settled there in the first half of the 14th century. Varlaam built the Temple of the Three Hierarchs during the construction of the Transfiguration Church by monk Athanasius.

The functioning of this monastery is associated with the brothers Nektarios and Theophanes Apsars, who came from a wealthy family, who took monastic vows and lived first on the island of Ioannina, and then on the Holy Mountain (Athos).

They settled on Meteora in 1510 and began to restore the monastery, and in 1541 they built the Cathedral of All Saints. They were buried here. The frescoes of the 16th century are well preserved to this day; they are recognizable as the hand of the famous master of painting Franco Catelano and the Kodar brothers from Thebes.

The painting of the temple is considered an example of the “school of Northwestern Greece”.

On the territory of the complex there is an altar, a balcony castle, a hospital and the Chapel of the Three Hierarchs, now closed to tourists

It is easiest to get to this nunnery, as there is a bridge and an access road to it. Monks settled there in the 12th century, but the monastery itself was founded in the 14th century by monk Anthony from the Kadakouzinos family.

The monastery was given a second life by monk Philatheus, who restored the old St. Stephen's Cathedral. At the end of the 18th century, the Cathedral of St. Charalampius was built, which is now closed to outsiders.

Z Otherwise, tourists can admire the restored frescoes of the old cathedral and the altar, where the museum is now located. Among the buildings on the territory there are also cells and a kitchen.

The closest monastery to the village of Kastraki with a steep climb. Named after its founder, monk Nikanor Anapavsas. There are 143 steps leading to the base of his rock, and 85 steps leading to his territory. The area of ​​the rock formation on which it is built is small, so the structure has several levels.

The first level is occupied by a small chapel, the altar of which measures only 4 square meters. m. On the second level there is the Church of St. Nicholas, painted by the famous icon painter Theophan of Crete in 1527. The third level is occupied by: a small church of John the Baptist, vaults with relics, cells and a refectory.

There are several opinions regarding the formation and name of this convent. According to one hypothesis, it was founded by the monks Nicodemus and Benedict in 1388. Another suggests that the founder was a resident of the town of Rosana Rusanos.

For a long time the monastery was empty until it was revived by the brothers Joasaph and Maxim, who built the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ.

The monastery fell into disrepair several times. After reconstruction, a convent was formed here, named in honor of St. Barbara. The temple contains the heads of the holy great martyrs Barbara and Kirik, fragments of the relics of Tryphon, Panteleimon, Procopius and Charalampios.

The monastery is located on a low cliff and is a 3-level building. On the first level there are the cells of the nuns and the temple, and the other two levels are occupied by living quarters, halls for visitors, and additional cells.

Inside the premises there are many beautiful paintings, jeweled lecterns, icons and a beautifully carved wooden altar. The nuns are known for their hospitality and often hand out sweets to visitors.

The Great Meteor (Preobrazhensky Monastery) was the very first to be built and is the main temple. Its abbot runs the entire monastery complex on the rocks. Located on the highest rock - 413 m from the surface of the earth, 613 m above sea level.

Now there are 154 steps cut into it, but once it was possible to get into it only by rope ladders or in nets, which are still used to lift loads.

At the entrance to the monastery, the monastery of St. Athanasius has been preserved. This small dilapidated structure is located in the rock. The main temple of the monastery is the Transfiguration Cathedral, built in 1388 following the example of the temples of the Holy Mountain (Athos), has a cruciform layout and a dome with twelve sides 24 meters in height.

It contains the burial place of its founders, Saints Athanasius and Joasaph, valuable icons and manuscripts, and ancient frescoes. The only painting preserved from the 14th century is on the outer northern wall and consists of images of Christ Pantocrator with a pair of angels, the Mother of God and John the Baptist, the apostles, scenes of hell and heaven.

On the territory there are also two chapels (John the Baptist, Saints Constantine and Helen), an altar, a refectory (now a museum), and a hospital.

The Holy Trinity Monastery is picturesquely located on a high cliff. There are 140 steps cut into the rock leading to this place. Historically, this monastery is the third oldest.

Historians claim that the main temple of the Katholikon was built in 1476. This is evidenced by the external masonry of the walls, inscriptions and other facts. Another temple, the Narthex, was built later - in 1692. Its first founder is considered to be the monk Dometius (data not confirmed).

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is painted in two stages. The oldest frescoes are in the nave, while the paintings in the rest of the temple date back to a later period and are applied over older images.

The balcony complex offers a wonderful view. From the east is the monastery of St. Stephen, and from the west the monasteries of Varlaam and Great Meteor are clearly visible; from the south you can clearly see the small town of Kalambaka.

The top of the rock occupies about 10 hectares. In addition to the temples, the territory contains monks’ cells and a small plot of land for farming.

Rules and schedule for visiting monasteries

Meteors are enough popular place from tourists. People come here as if organized excursions, and independently. But it would be a shame to travel a long distance to admire it historical monument, and find the entrance closed to tourists, since it is now a weekend or work day is already over.

These holy places are not open to visitors around the clock, but on certain days and hours. In addition, there are summer and winter visiting schedules.

You can stay overnight nearby in small town Kalambaka, as well as in the village of Kastraki.

The seasonality of Meteor is as follows:

• winter period - 01.11–31.03;
• summer period - 01.04–31.10.

The working hours of the monasteries are as follows:

You can check the opening hours of the monasteries by calling the following numbers:

• Big Meteor - tel. 2432–022278;
• St. Varlaam - tel. 2432–022277;
• St. Stephen - tel. 2432–022279;
• St. Nicholas - tel. 2432–022375;
• Holy Trinity - tel. 2432–022220;
• Rusan - tel. 2432–022649.

Telephone inquiries are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rest of the time, an answering machine is turned on, which informs about the opening hours of the monasteries.

Important! When visiting Christian shrines, you should dress appropriately. Women should wear long skirts and cover their heads. Men should wear trousers, not shorts, and remove head coverings in temples. Filming inside the temples is prohibited; no need to talk or laugh loudly.

A combination of Christian shrines, architecture and paintings of ancient temples, picturesque Mountain landscape- all this causes admiration among tourists from the most different corners peace. If you want to get acquainted with all the sights in detail, you should keep in mind that it is impossible to explore all the monasteries in one day.

Tourists who have visited these places speak with delight about them and recommend having a small picnic at observation platforms, watch the sunset or sunrise there.

One of the main attractions of Greece is the complex of Orthodox monasteries of Meteora. It is located in Thessaly, in the central part of the country. The monks' cells and other rooms of the monastery were located at the very tops of very high and steep cliffs. The very name of the monastery means floating in the air.

Hermit monks, who were the first to take a liking to these rocks, began to settle here in the 12th century. For their cells, they carved caves right into the rocks.

The founder of the monastery is considered to be an Athonite monk named Athanasius. According to legend, in 1336, Athanasius was raised to the top of the rock, where today the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located (also called the Great Meteor), by the angels themselves. Athanasius enjoyed great authority among the monks who made up the first community in Meteora.

Construction of the monastery began only in the 14th century and continued for almost 200 subsequent years. Twenty-four rocks were occupied by monastic monasteries. Getting to any of them was quite difficult at all times. The monks had to overcome heights by climbing ropes or wooden ladders, which required them to be in a certain physical shape. If a monk was afraid of heights, and there were some, then he was dragged up in a net. Today, food is delivered upstairs in such nets. Who knows how many monks during the existence of the monastery, climbing the rock, went straight to heaven. There may be such statistics, but Meteors do not make them public. It was only at the beginning of the 20th century that steps were made into the rocks, making the climb much safer.

The Meteora monasteries reached their peak by the middle of the 16th century. Monastic artists decorated the vaults, walls and altars of the temples with frescoes and carvings, and the Great Meteor library contains about 600 manuscripts. Many relics and gifts of emperors and patriarchs of different eras are preserved here.

Greece Meteora monasteries, photo.

Now, out of 24 Meteor monasteries, only two are active; four operate as museums and are open to the public.

When going on an excursion to Metera, you need to remember that you need to dress so that your clothes cover your entire body; trousers are not allowed for women. The excursion to the monastic cells on the tops of the rocks is interesting and fascinating. It will take you all day. But before you start climbing, you should soberly assess your climbing skills and the fact whether you really are not afraid of heights...

Entrance to the monastery.

And finally, I suggest watching a video film about the complex of Orthodox monasteries of Meteora.

Meteora of Greece on the map:

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