The Great Meteoron — officially the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration — is the oldest, largest and highest of all the Meteora monasteries, sitting on a rock 615 metres above the plain. It was founded around 1340 by Saint Athanasios, the monk who first organised monastic life on the rocks and gave Meteora its name.
Around 300 steps lead to the top, where you can visit the magnificent katholikon with its 16th-century frescoes, the old kitchen with its original utensils, the wine cellar, the ossuary and a rich museum of manuscripts and icons.
As the most famous monastery, it also draws the biggest crowds — arriving early or late in the day makes a huge difference. Our private Meteora tours are timed exactly around this, and combine the Great Meteoron with quieter neighbours like Varlaam or Roussanou.
