Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen — Attraction in Meteora Municipality

Review: Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen

The Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen is one of the most accessible and serene monasteries in Meteora, making it a favorite for visitors seeking a mix of history, spirituality, and breathtaking views. Unlike many other Meteora monasteries perched on towering rock pillars, Saint Stephen’s is located on a lower plateau, making it easy to reach without a strenuous climb.

Founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, this monastery has a rich history intertwined with both faith and resilience. It was transformed into a convent in the 1960s and is now home to a vibrant community of nuns who maintain its spiritual legacy.

The monastery’s main church, dedicated to Saint Stephen, is a highlight with its elegant frescoes and peaceful atmosphere. A second church, dedicated to Saint Charalambos, features an extraordinary collection of relics and an ornate iconostasis, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

One of the most striking aspects of Saint Stephen’s is the panoramic view it offers. From its terraces, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the town of Kalampaka, the Thessalian plains, and the surrounding rock formations. The sense of tranquility is palpable, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection or simply soaking in the beauty of Meteora.

The monastery also features a museum with an impressive collection of manuscripts, religious artifacts, and historical items, offering deeper insights into Meteora’s rich monastic heritage.

Practical Tips: Modest attire is required; skirts and scarves are often provided at the entrance. The monastery is easily accessible via a bridge, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels. Check opening hours in advance, as they may vary by season.

Whether you are drawn by its historical significance, religious importance, or serene beauty, the Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen is an essential stop on any visit to Meteora. Its welcoming atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it a truly...

Visiting the Nunnery of St. Stephen was one of the highlights of my trip to Meteora. Among all the monasteries perched atop the towering rock formations, this one is by far the most accessible. It’s perfect for anyone with mobility concerns — there’s a small bridge leading directly to the entrance, and even wheelchair users can access the site comfortably, which is a rarity for such historic and mountainous locations.

The entrance fee is very reasonable at just 5 euros per person, and children up to 12 get in for free. Just a small note for women: you’ll need to wear a skirt or dress to enter. If you forget, no worries — they provide scarves at the entrance that you can wrap around your waist.

Inside, the monastery is peaceful and beautifully maintained. The views over the valley are breathtaking, and the interior of the chapel is richly decorated with icons and religious artwork that reflect centuries of devotion. The atmosphere is serene, and the nuns who reside there maintain a quiet dignity and warmth that enhances the experience.

One important thing to remember is that the monastery is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

All in all, the Nunnery of St. Stephen is a must-see — whether you’re drawn by the spiritual history, the stunning location, or the thoughtful accessibility. Highly...

This humble nunnery was our last visit of Great Meteora monasteries, and had appeared to be the best one. This place has Holy energy. From the beginning of your visit there, right at the entrance, you can already experience it through the friendly smile of nun, (who give you a ticket), through the gentle service of her God-sister at the main chapel of the monastery, (who is ready to answer your questions and to show around), and finally you meet with even more sweet charm of their God-Sister at the Monastery museum’s shop. The monastery holds Holy relicts of Saint Charalambos, the early Christian priest of Asia Minor. It is believed that at the time of his martyrdom in 202, Charalambos was 113 years old. His name Χαράλαμπος means “glowing with joy” in Greek. May be it is the reason of pure light energy, which you can experience there. The story of his martyrdom is colourfully depicted in the monastery chapel’s walls. Some people come there with prayers to The Saint: It is believed that his holy relicts could restore poor health conditions and to treat incurable deceases. The views from the monastery are not as dramatic as from other Meteora monasteries such as Great Meteoron or Varlam, and the architecture is much simpler, but still colourful and...