METEORA

It is a unique geographical formation of hanging rocky cliffs on top of which a series of Monasteries were built between the 9th and the 11th centuries by hermits who settled first in that area. The UNESCO characterized the Monasteries as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. The most important Monasteries of Meteora are:

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron: it is the biggest one. The Church called "Katholikon" dedicated to the "Transfiguration" was erected in the middle of the 14th. Century and afterwards was decorated. The old Monastery is used today as a museum.

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam: it is the second biggest Monastery. The Church, built in 1541/42, was dedicated to the three Bishops. The old refectory is used as a museum.

The Holy Monastery of Rousanou: although it is dedicated to the "Transfiguration", but also honored to St. Barbara.

The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas: it is the first Monastery the visitor meets on his way from Kastraki to Meteora. The "Katholikon" built in the beginning of the 16th century, is dedicated to St. Nicholas.

The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen: it is the easiest to reach. The single-nave Church dedicated to St. Stephen was built in the middle of the 16th century. The "Katholicon" dedicated to St. Charalambos was built at the end of the 18th century.
The old refectory is used as a museum nowadays.