Monastery of Great Meteoron

Kalabaka, Greece

The Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest of the monasteries located at Meteora, though in 2015 there were only 3 monks in residence.

The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded in the mid-14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the systematic organizer. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Hosios Athanasios was born around 1302 in the medieval town of New Patras, today’s Hypati.

The Katholikon (main church), consecrated in honour of the Transfiguration of Jesus was erected in the middle of the 14th century and 1387/88 and decorated in 1483 and 1552. The central courtyard is embellished with beautiful 16th century frescoes. Take time to gaze at the artistic details of some of the best samples of Greek Byzantine art and then rush to the museum, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. Once you’ve reached the summit, a rewarding view awaits you and the monastery calls for exploration.

References:

Comments

Your name


fantastic place to visit if you get the chance TAKE IT!


Address

Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece
See all sites in Kalabaka

Details

Founded: c. 1350
Category: Religious sites in Greece

More Information

www.visitmeteora.travel

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John Luong (3 years ago)
Wonderful place to be with such unique geographical and manmade harmonious together. For the ladies, you need to have a big scarf to able to get in any monastery and all these places are not design for physically Challenge.
Norm Bour -Travel Younger (3 years ago)
It only looks difficult to get into, but it's not that bad! It's very reasonable that for euros, and they have a great museum that you cannot take photos or videos. Terrific views all the way around.
Bollo (3 years ago)
Definitely a place to see/experience once in a lifetime! You will enjoy breathtaking views and experience the greek history.
Carp Bogdan (3 years ago)
Great cultural experience. The construction itself is stunning and the place is pretty big for something built on a rock. The history of this place is really cool. The view is breathtaking.
Diane Le (3 years ago)
Enjoyed my time. The monastery allowed women to borrow shawls. But try to wear a skirt/dress. Men can wear shorts despite signs saying no shorts (from what was seen today).
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Ogrodzieniec Castle Ruins

Ogrodzieniec Castle is a ruined medieval castle originally built in the 14th–15th century by the W³odkowie Sulimczycy family. Established in the early 12th century, during the reign of Boles³aw III Wrymouth, the first stronghold was razed by the Tatars in 1241. In the mid-14th century a new gothic castle was built here to accommodate the Sulimczycy family. Surrounded by three high rocks, the castle was well integrated into the area. The defensive walls were built to close the circuit formed by the rocks, and a narrow opening between two of the rocks served as an entrance.

In 1470 the castle and lands were bought by the wealthy Cracovian townsmen, Ibram and Piotr Salomon. Then, Ogrodzieniec became the property of Jan Feliks Rzeszowski, the rector of Przemy¶l and the canon of Cracow. The owners of the castle about that time were also Jan and Andrzej Rzeszowskis, and later Pilecki and Che³miñski families. In 1523 the castle was bought by Jan Boner.