Great Meteoron Monastery, Meteora 
An Orthodox priest rides down in a cable car. Photo
Neil Carey.
Frescoes in Great Meteoron. Photo
Juan Manuel Caicedo.
Wine cellar. Photo
travelinknu.
Antique books. Photo
Randy Peters.Each monastery of the Meteora is worth visiting, but if you have time for only one, see the Great Meteoron monastery.
History
The Great Meteoron Monastery was founded in the 14th century, but most of what visitors see today dates from the 16th century. The current structures were built by monks from Mount Athos.
What to See
The lovely church at the Great Meteoron is in the shape of a Greek cross and topped by a 12-sided dome. Inside, there are many elaborate frescoes.
The frescoes in the dome feature Christ, the four evangelists, the apostles, and the prophets. Church fathers are by the altar and liturgical feasts are depicted along the walls of the nave. The narthex is decorated with rather frightening images of the Last Judgment and Punishment of the Damned.
Outside the church is a pleasant, shady courtyard and a small museum containing icons and illuminated manuscripts. The wine cellar is well-stocked with barrels of the sacred drink.
Quick Facts
| Location: | The Meteora, Thessaly, Greece |
| Phone: | 24320/22-278 |
| Hours: | Wed-Mon 9am-1pm and 3:20-6pm |
| Cost: | 2€ |
Travel Resources
- Overnight Tour to Meteora (from Athens)
- 3-Day Tour to Delphi and Meteora (from Athens)
- 4-Day Classical Greece Tours (from Athens)
- 7-Day Grand Tour of Greece (from Athens)
If you want to hire a private guide, speak to the concierge at your hotel, or contact the Association of Official Guides in Athens (tel. 210/322-9705). Expect to pay from 100€ for a 5-hour tour.
The busiest tourist season at Meteora is between May and September. The mountain range to the east and north of Meteora experiences baking heat in summer and severe cold in winter with heavy snowfalls. Summer is the driest time. Storms occur year round, especially at higher altitudes.
Most visitors to Meteora stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki, the two closest villages to Meteora.
More Information
- Meteora – UNESCO World Heritage
- Meteora Map - MeteoraKalambaka.com
- The Wonder That is Meteora - Meteora-Greece.info
- Meteora: Monasteries – Greece Travel
- Clifftop Monasteries of Meteora, Greece – Adventures Great and Small
- Meteora: Greece's Spiritual Pinnacles - Travel with a Challenge
- Land in the Clouds: Greece's Meteora Monasteries - Go World Travel
