Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron - Transfiguration of the Saviour
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GreeceThessaly and Central GreeceMeteora MunicipalityHoly Monastery of the Great Meteoron - Transfiguration of the Saviour
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Located at the very top of the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora, the Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoron stands as a testament to spiritual faith and architectural marvel. My wife and I had the opportunity to visit this incredible site during our recent journey through Greece. Our visit began just after exploring the Varlaam Monastery, which is situated nearby. We decided to take a 20-minute walk to the Great Meteoron Monastery to avoid moving our car, which was parked along the road. Despite arriving early, there was no space available in the car parks at either monastery. The walk to the monastery was a visual feast, with the stunning landscape unfolding before our eyes, filled with vibrant greenery and the soothing sound of cicadas in the background. With each step, the massive rock formation that serves as the foundation for the monastery came into view, the monks originally named this rock "as Great Meteoron." Finally, after a few more steps, we could fully admire the grandeur of the monastery, a sight every visitor should witness at least once in their lifetime. The main entrance to the monastery is located at the end of the road. Nearby, there are a few venues offering refreshments, snacks, and local souvenirs, a good spot to gather energy before the ascent. We crossed the main gate and proceeded along a cobblestone staircase that led us to a bridge connecting the edge of the cliff to the one where the monastery was built. There is a small shrine and a narrow staircase with a door at the end that leads to a steep staircase carved into the rock. We continued through the door and climbed the carved staircase. The ascent was a bit demanding but worth every step. The breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and rocky outcrops eventually brought us to the top, where the ticket office is located. We purchased two entries at €3 each. You can also buy appropriate attire here for women who do not meet the strict dress code, which requires the wearing of long skirts within the monastery. Once inside, you can marvel at the religious treasures and cultural history of the place. There is a worship space adorned with centuries-old religious art, a well-preserved old kitchen, an ancient lift system once used to transport supplies to the monastery, a small museum displaying spectacular religious artefacts, a quaint cobblestone yard with benches, and a magnificent observation deck with a charming gazebo offering spectacular panoramic views, an absolute must for photography enthusiasts. After soaking in the beauty of the place, we made a final stop at the public restrooms before descending the carved staircase. We then made our way back to our vehicle to continue our visit to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. A few tips for future visitors: • The climb is long and can be challenging, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. •Bring a camera; the views are exceptional and demand to be captured. •Be mindful of the strict dress code for women, long skirts are mandatory. Appropriate attire can be purchased at the entrance if necessary. • Food is not allowed inside the monastery. • Restrooms are available for visitors.
Carlos Rangel
00
Need help with directions to hike up? As per the local maps (shown in photo), from the town you can walk along the the car road (marked red) or the off road track (marked white) towards the monastery hiking path (marked dotted black). There are no signs for the entrance of the path when you get there… but one of my photos shows it for you. If you took the white path: The end of the white marked path (off-road track) meets the car road, there you cross the road and that is where the path starts (I.e. you don’t need to walk further up the car road as the local maps might suggest). From the car road/ red path on map: just follow the road up from the town until you see the opening in the trees in one of my images. The path is quite well paved but it is an incline on some uneven surfaces so bring good shoes. Cave: Part of the way up there is an incredible cave that is worth checking out, it is directly connected to the path but hidden… one of my images shows where you can find the entrance (be aware that it is not signposted). Definitely visit the cave if you have time! Signs: Basically there are none to guide you specifically to the monastery 😆 but there are some signs saying MTR (Meteora Trail Run) which seems to be for runners coming down the hill (shown in my photos). Look out for those as well as some spray painted arrows and they’ll help direct the route even if they are not purposefully for the Monastery. Tickets: Entrance to the monastery is 3e per person and they do not accept card… bring cash. Clothes: To enter the monastery you need to cover your legs I.e not wear shorts. They lend clothing items out but you may want to bring your own. Refreshments: On the other side of the monastery is a van with refreshments, they only accept cash through. Museum: inside the museum there are very good quality Byzantine items and there’s also war monuments and arts as well as a small gift shop with local wine and other souvenirs. Hope this helps.
Ben Arvi
00
One, if not THE, most impressive areas I have ever been to. The landscape itself is already unique, but the fact that they have built the monasteries on top of the pillars in the 14th century is just incredible. We travelled there by car and had no issues with finding parking spaces near each monastery, neither was it too packed. It was a really relaxed trip. Only important note that is not written anywhere: in the monasteries are toilets, but it is only these toilets that are on floor level, where you stand above. This is for women quite unhandy and you should know about that. I recommend to visit a toilet in the city of Kalambaka or Kastraki, before you drive up to the monasteries. The monasteries itself are differently 'designed' but all are really beautiful to visit. The streets up and down the mountains are in good condition, so it should be no problem to access it by car. This place is a must-see if you are anywhere near in Greece!!
Manuel Wieler
00
It is a beautiful complex of five monasteries. The workers at the entrance were kind enough to offer me a covering even before I took mine out of my backpack. They say thet are 300 steps to get there. They didn't seem so many, anyway it was totally worth it. The church is nice from the outside and one of the most richly painted orthodox churches I have seen in Meteora. The museum was pretty nice and totally unexpected. They have some really good paintings there, among other artifacts. It is also true that, as a painter, I must say I am doubtful about some "restorations" or "repaintings" I have seen in the museum. As photos are not allowed, I'm unable to show them. I think, and I really hope I'm in the wrong, that some pigments are not natural. Which is impossible for a painting of the 15th century, as only mineral and/or vegetable pigments were available. As I said, I may be totally mistaken. Anyway, I would repeat the visit again.
A frei
00
This is the largest and most complete monastery in Meteoron, it was not damaged during WW II. There are two sections of work separated by centuries so there are examples of earlier Greek Orthodox artwork then later. The church is in the square shape prominent in the earlier periods. The artwork outside the main sanctuary is particularly interesting because it depicts every imaginable way Christians were tortured and killed. The sanctuary on the other hand has the cupola with Christ at the top, followed by angels then Mary and the apostles. The museum lower level is interesting with some artwork. In the hallway outside the lower level of the museum are many posters, especially from War War II with Greek and Italian propaganda. The old kitchen is also worthy of your time. Lots of steps, a bit of a workout if you are not used to steps.
Rhicke Jennings
00
This is also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ) and the oldest and largest of all the monasteries in Meteora. Our guide was right in telling us to come here early. It opens at 9, and even when we were there early, the line was already long when we arrived. The climb itself was terrific since the many turns afforded us many different and great views of Meteora/Kalambaka. Women, take note: you must wear a dress or skirt to be let in, though they do provide a wraparound skirt to those who arrived in jeans or leggings. The monastery's main cathedral is embellished with beautiful 16th-century frescoes, though picture-taking is not allowed. The monastery is also home to a museum and a view deck that has breathtaking views of Meteora.
Milai Legaspi
10
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Basic Info
Address
G, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Map
Phone
+30 2432 022278
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Website
meteoromonastery.gr
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(4.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
outdoor
attractions: Monastery of Varlaam, The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, Meteora, Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora, Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara, restaurants: Boufidis Greek Tavern

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