St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery, Kalabaka, Greece

St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery is one of six monasteries built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area of Meteora.

Hermits seem to have first occupied this rock in the early 14th century, as evidenced by remains of frescoes in the Chapel of St. Anthony. The present monastery was founded in 1510 by St. Dionysius, Metropolitan of Larisa, and Nikanoras, priest-monk and exarch of Stagoi. The name 'Anapafsas' is of unknown origin; it may be the surname of an early monk or founder.

The monastery was abandoned by 1900 and fell into disrepair until it was renovated in the 1960s by the archaeological service. It was then inhabited by Father Palamas until 1982, after which the monastery closed. In 1997, priests of Kalampaka began to open the monastery to tourists every summer. Today, one monk lives at Agios Nikolaos, the abbot archimandrite Polykarpos Venetis.

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User Reviews

Google Lum (3 months ago)
Visited in October recently, the 1st of 6 monasteries in the tour. A bit of walking up but it is a good start. Great views of the surrounding area and unique geological formation. Like most monasteries, no photo taking in the church.

Konstantinos Barlas (4 months ago)
Very beautiful monastery. Be patient on the way up and slowly you will get there. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this magical place.

Just In Credible (5 months ago)
Please note that the pictures I have provided are not of the monastery itself, but of the surrounding vistas. The hike up to this smaller monastery is less demanding than the Holy Trinity hike, but still a solid 15-20 minutes of effort. As you can see from the pictures... The effort is well worth it!

Kyuwon Lee (5 months ago)
A breathtakingly located monastery that gives you a wide-open view of the surrounding area and the town below. The monastery itself is pretty small-sized but surely worth hiking up for the view.

Thanasis Niavhs (7 months ago)
This monastery is really a hidden treasure. Quite a climb but a scenic one with all the greenery. 3€ entry as all the other monasteries. All men were required to wear long trousers and women long skirts. They provided the clothes for those who didn’t have their own. The panoramic views from the balconies were stunning. In my opinion, it’s a must visit.

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