HOTEL ADRACHTI METEORA-KALAMBAKA
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METEORA A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created these looming rocks which thrust skywards from the plain of Thessaly, as if striving to come closer to God. These peculiarly impressive natural sculptures are known as Meteora because they do indeed seem to hang or hover above the plain. Their summits, totally isolated from the rest of the world, were refuge for many hermits from as early as the 11th century. Three hundred years later the first monasteries were founded. Most of the monasteries were built or renovated in the 16th century. Nowadays six are in use. Today good roads leading from Kalambaka and Kastraki to the monasteries with their wonderful wall-paintings, ecclesiastical treasures, rich libraries with precious/holy manuscripts, exquisite icons.
The monasteries in order are as follows:
The monastery of Roussanou Dates back to the 14th-15th century, this monastery church was built upon the ruins of an earlier one. It is decorated with wall-paintings of outstanding art, gilded wood carved iconostasis and noteworthy panel icons. Also in memory of Saint Barbara, the convent honors her on the 4th December each year. You can visit the monastery every day except for Wednesday during the winter season. Opening hours are from 09:00 to 14:00 in the winter and in the summer from 09:00 to 18:00.
The monastery of All Saints or Varlaam Dates back to the middle of the 14th century, it was first established by the ascetic anchronite Varlaam, after whom it is named. The monastery houses an important collection of codices, reiquaries, intricately carved wooden crosses, gold-embroidered epitaphioi, icons and other treasures. The katholikan is dedicated to the All Saints, was adorned with wall paintings in 1548, it was renovated in 1780. You can visit every day except for Thursday and Friday in the winter season and in summer on Thursday.
The monastery Great Meteoro (Metamorphossis) The first church of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of Christ) was founded by Athanassios, surnamed the Meteorite one of the outstanding figures of Orthodox monasticism before 1382 and was completed by the monk Iosaphath. It is one of the best preserved monasteries, with rich and valuable mural art, notable panels, valuable collections of holy manuscripts, icons and relics. The refectory houses the monastery's museum collection. The monastery can be visited every day except for Tuesday and Wednesday during the winter season and in summer on Tuesdays.
The Monastery of Agiada Triada (Holy Trinity) This monastery was founded by the monk Doumetios in the 15th century. The church was decoratd with wall painting in the 18th century, by the brothers Antonios & Nikolaos. On the way up to the 140 hewn steps to the monastery, one passes the chapel of Saint John the Baptist, with wall paintings dated back to 1682. The monastery is compared to an eagles nest because at its nesting is the beautiful town of Kalambaka. Visitation is every day with the exception of Wednesday and Thursday during the winter and summer seasons.
The convent of Saint Stefanos This convent has an unimpeded view over the plain towards Kalambaka. It is not known when the old church was founded, but the present Katholikan is dedicated to Agios Charalambos which was built in 1798. The saint's skull, a gift to the nunnery is kept there. The church of Agios Stefanos is an aislesless, timber-roofed basilica, adorned with wall paintings in 1545. The convent houses precious ecclesiastical treasures Visitation is every day except for Monday in the winter and summer seasons. |