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Places of interest in the region

Meteora:  is unquestionably one of the best tourist attractions in Greece.  It comprises of enormous rock pinnacles with monasteries on their summits. The name Meteora comes from the Greek adjective meteoros, which means hanging in the midair.  From around 9th century, hermits lived in the caves of Meteora. Because of the increasing power of Byzantium and incursions by invaders, monks searched for remote places to build the monasteries. Therefore, Meteora was the perfect place for them, the monasteries are built up around a central courtyard, and the monk’s cells around it along with the chapel and refectory. The Katholiken stands in the centre of the courtyard. In the beginning, the monasteries were only accessible by nets, baskets or ladders. Today steps cute into the rocks access them, from the original twenty-four monasteries, only six remain in use.

Moni Megalou Meteorou: the most remarkable monastery of all is the Transfiguration (Metamorfosis) or Megalo (great) Meteoro. It stands on highest rock almost 613m above sea level. Founded by St. Athanasios in the 14th century it became the richest monastery also the most powerful after the Serbian Emperor Uros gave his wealth to the monastery and himself became a monk. A series of frescoes in the Katholiken depict the Martyrdom of the Saints.

Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou: this monastery accessed by a bridge is the home to an order of nuns. The monastery has recently been restored after being unused for some time. The Katholiken illuminated by strained glass is exceptional.

Moni Varlaam: this monastery has many fine frescoes.

Moni Agia Triados: scenes from the James Bond film “for your eyes only” where filmed at this monastery, which is also the remotest of the Meteora monasteries.

Moni Agias Stefanou: has a beautiful embroidered Epitaphios (cloth with the picture of Christ on his bier). The nuns at the monastery do a roaring trade in selling souvenirs and videos of the region to tourists.

Moni Agiou Nikolaou Anapafsa: the Katholiken of the monastery dates from around 1390. The monastery was built in the 15th century. The monk, Theophanis Stelitzas, created the exceptional frescoes. Probably the most remarkable fresco is the one that shows Adam naming the animals.

When visiting the monasteries strict dress codes apply, long trousers for the men and skirts that cover the knees for the women.

On the way to the monasteries at Meteora the visitor passes through Kalambaka, on the top of a hill stands a Greek Orthodox cathedral dedicated to the Koimesis tis Theotokou dating from the early part of the 12 th century BC. Inside are some exceptional icons and wall paintings.

Theopetra : south of Kalambaka is an imposing rock with a cave of archaeological importance, which has yielded indication of occupation from the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic Age.

Doussikou monastery: construction of the monastery began by St. Vissarion in 1522. A wall 10 m. high encircles it. The three - storied structure comprises 366 cells symbolizing the days of the year. Its Refectory and collection of manuscripts and relics in the Library attest to the wealth enjoyed by the monastery in the past. At the center of the complex is the Byzantine church of the Transfiguration with frescoes done in 1577 by Theophanes; its wood carved temple was done in 1767 and was given a gold-leaf finish by Metsovon artisans in 1813. One should also visit the crypt on the west side of the church and the adjoining three small chapels. Women cannot visit this monastery.