Explore Meteora

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, is the biggest and oldest one of all. It is called the monastery which remains “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the cliff formation of a gigantic rock on top of which it was built. The Great Meteoro Monastery or “Megalo Meteoron” was founded in the 14th century by a monk named Saint Athanasios the Meteorite.

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Located very close to Great Meteoro Monastery, it was founded in the mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam. Varlaam managed to climb on the cliff around 1350 and followed by a few other monks he was able to establish the monastery.

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou,was first established in the 14th century. It received the name probably from the first hermit-monk who settled on the rock during that period. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later by a monk who lived at the monastery.

The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders.

The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is one of the most photographed monuments in the area. At the same time, it’s the most difficult to reach. Those who will attempt to reach it will be rewarded with the panoramic view of the surroundings which is simply captivating!

The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas or Agios Nikolaos is the first active Monastery we encounter on our way to Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.

Heading from Kalambaka towards Trikala, you’ll come to the historic hamlet of Sarakina 8km outside town. It’s worth the trip to see the largest stone bridge in Trikala prefecture, a famous six-arched edifice, built in the 16th century. It is one of the most interesting attractions in the area.

Just 4km outside Kalambaka, another surprising sight awaits you in the shape of an enormous cave, whose main chamber measures about 500 sq m. Scientists calculate that the formation of the limestone Theopetra (or god-rock) Cave occurred during the late Cretaceous period, 137 million to 60 million years ago. It was inhabited as early as 50,000 years ago.

The hidden monastery of Ypapanti is a truly hidden gem of Meteora. The old abandoned monastery is located in the northern part of Meteora and its accessible mainly on foot. Ypapanti monastery was constructed back in the 14th century and today it’s fully restored and renovated.

Kalabaka Byzantine church is in the old districts of the town, an early Christian church built around the 4th or 5th centuries. It’s dedicated today to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In our view this monument it’s probably the most important in the whole region of Meteora. Not only of its old age but mainly for the many different historical periods incorporated in its architectural features as it undergoes numerous restorations over the 17 centuries that stand beneath the huge cliffs of Meteora. Kalabaka Byzantine church is the only church in the world today with an early Christian ambo or pulpit preserved in the center of the nave.

It is a must-see monument of Kalambaka, for its age and precious 11th and 16th-century Byzantine frescoes, as well as the ancient marbles visible on the outside walls. Relics of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to god Apollo which stood on the same spot from before Christianity. In the interior one can also pay attention to the older mosaic floor that is revealed in specific spots beneath the current stone floor.

Τhe beautiful bridge of Paleokarya was built somewhere between 1500 and 1550, it has a length of 26 meters, an arc opening of 19 meters and a height from the river bed 10 meters, while behind it a 12 meter high waterfall, which continues to a lesser height 2 meters, creating a beautiful image. It is a one-arched stone bridge. The river that passes through the spot is Paleokaritis and if we continue our journey we reach the gorge of Paleokarya where there is still a watermill.
The bridge of Palaiokarya connected Thessaly to Epirus and was a busy route of that time, of course today it is not used. It is, however, a monument of old, perfectly suited to the natural scenery around it. The bridge frames steep, high rocks with a lot of low vegetation and trees.
A large and rare variety of herbs and wildflowers adorns during the spring and summer periods the whole area of the mountainous landscape of the gorge. In terms of fauna in the steep rocks, the sloping slopes and the forests, almost all the wild animals and birds of the wider region of Trikala are nestled and endemic.
Only 5 minutes away from the bridge of Palaiokarya is the old watermill. It is worth visiting to see how the flour production process takes place in a traditional way. Entrance to the watermill is free. Also nearby is the village Ropoto Trikalon, the village that sinks.