The Great Meteora may be the largest of Kalambaka’s monasteries, but it is by no means the only one. In all there are five other monasteries to visit, each with its own unique view that will draw you back again and again.
St. Stephans Monastery
St. Stephans is one of the two monasteries run by nuns. It is also the most easily accessed. If you have difficulty with stairs, this is the monastery for you since it has a fairly easy walkway from the parking lot and only a few stairs inside.
After touring the small museum, be sure to spend a few moments in the back garden enjoying a stunning view of Kalambaka below.
Most of the site has been restored in recent years thanks to the increase in tourism and the industry of the nuns. Their handiwork is displayed in the gift shop. In addition to the usual icons and worry beads, they also offer hand-embroidered items.
The Holy Trinity Monastery
This monastery may be the most spectacular of them all as it blossoms out of the top of a stunningly high rock column. For that reason, it was featured in the popular James Bond movie – For Your Eyes Only.
Fortunately, rock climbing is not the only option for accessing this monastery. The long climb up the stairs is rewarded by bird’s eye views of Kalambaka. Peer over the edge to see the trail the winds up the hill from the top of town.
Before you leave, try some lookoom, a sweet similar to Turkish Delight, made by the monks for the enjoyment of their guests. Be sure to light a candle for your safe walk back down the stairs.
St. Barbara's Monastery
For the more adventurous, start your visit to this monastery at the viewpoint just above St. Barbara’s. This nunnery is the most picturesque of the lot, sitting serenely atop its low stone post. Although there is not much to see inside this tiny place, the fresco of the Transfiguration is worth a look.
Varlaam Monastery
This monastery is just down the hill from the Great Meteora. Although not quite as high as the Holy Trinity, it has spectacular views of the stone forest and the village of Kastraki. From here, you can easily see bubbles in the monolith directly behind the village where early monks hid from their tormentors.
After a visit to the museum, be sure to wander around the monastery. You don’t want to miss the giant wine barrel – it’s almost large enough to put your bedroom in.
St Nicholas
This monastery is only minutes from the village of Kastraki and the tiniest of the bunch. It is fascinating to see how this edifice grows out of the very rock it is built on. Although small, it too contains some fascinating frescos.
The early monks were indeed ingenious, industrious fellows. The sky monasteries of Kalambaka are a testament to that.
Gwendolyn Copeman - For 8 years I wrote a weekly humour column for the local newspaper featuring my life as a single homeowner as well as my travels to ...
