Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, perched atop the highest and most imposing rock in Meteora, Greece, is the oldest and largest of the Meteora monasteries. Established in the mid-14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, it marks the beginning of organized monastic life in the region.

🏛️ History & Significance

Saint Athanasios, born Andronikos in 1302 in New Patras (modern-day Hypati), initially lived as a hermit before founding the Great Meteoron Monastery on the “Platylithos” rock, which he named “Meteoron”—meaning “suspended between heaven and earth.” He introduced a cenobitic monastic community modeled after Mount Athos, emphasizing communal living and spiritual discipline.

After Saint Athanasios’s death in 1380, his successor, Joasaph (formerly John Uroš Palaiologos), a former ruler of Thessaly, expanded the monastery, constructing a grander church and enhancing its spiritual and architectural legacy.

🕰️ Visiting Information

Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31):

  • Open: Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 09:30 – 15:00
  • Closed: Tuesday

Winter Hours (November 1 – March 31):

  • Open: Monday, Friday–Sunday: 09:30 – 14:00
  • Closed: Tuesday–Thursday

Note: The monastery is also closed during the following periods:

  • August 5–7
  • September 30 – October 1
  • February 1–28

Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress modestly. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts; women should wear skirts and cover their shoulders. Skirts and shawls are available at the entrance for those who need them.

Entrance Fee: €3 per person.

Contact Information:

🖼️ Highlights

  • Hermitage of Saint Athanasios: A modest cave dwelling where the founder lived before establishing the monastery.
  • Main Church (Katholikon): Dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, featuring impressive frescoes and sacred relics.
  • Museum: Displays manuscripts, liturgical items, and artifacts showcasing the monastery’s rich history.
  • Vineyard: The monastery cultivates its own vineyard, producing wine used in religious ceremonies .

📍 Visitor Tips

  • Access: Visitors can reach the monastery via a steep, rock-hewn staircase.
  • Guided Tours: Available to enrich the experience with historical and spiritual insights.
  • Nearby Attractions: Meteora’s other monasteries and the town of Kalambaka offer additional cultural and natural sites to explore.