BulletMonasteries of Meteora, Greece

The most unique sites in Greece are the Monasteries of Meteora, ancient buildings patched against a series of high rocks with precipitous vertical drops. They are located in north-eastern Greece, on the edge of the Pindus Mountains and are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The religious nature of the location dates from the 11 century CE.
The construction on the cloisters was begun in 15 century. They were intended as places of refuge in troubled times and access to them was made extremely difficult, requiring either long ladders lashed together or a windlass and rope system attached to a net. There are four monasteries and two convents that are still active today. After 1920 steps were cut into the rock, making the complex accessible via a bridge from the nearby plateau. A few monasteries now serve as museums.

BulletMonastery of Great Meteoron

Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest from the monasteries located at Meteora. It was erected in the middle of 14 century C.E. and was the subject of restoration in 1483 and 1552. The building serves now as main museum, visited by most travelers.

BulletMonastery of Varlaam

Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery of Meteora complex. It was built in 1541 and embellished in 1548. The refectory of the church serves now as a museum too.

BulletMonastery of Rousanou

Monastery of Rousanou was founded in the middle of 16 century C.E. and decorated in 1560.

BulletMonastery of St.Nicholas Anapausas

Monastery of St.Nicholas Anapausas was built in the 16 century C.E. and is a small church. It was decorated by the Cretan painter Theophanis Strelitzas in 1527.

BulletMonastery of St.Stephen

Monastery of St.Stephen is a small church and convent built in 16 century and decorated in 1545. This monastery is more easily reached than others, because it is located on a plain.

BulletMonastery of Holy Trinity

Monastery of Holy Trinity is very difficult to reach, unlike the Monastery of St.Stephen. It was built in 1475 and variously remodeled in 1684, 1689, 1692, 1741.