The Monastery of Holy Trinity - Agia Triada

The Monastery of Holy Trinity, known as the Monastery of Agia Triada in Greek, is one of Meteora’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. While it ranks among the more challenging monasteries to access, the experience is rewarding for those willing to walk the path.

Visitors embarking on the steep, albeit short, trail and stairs are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the picturesque town of Kalabaka below. Located just a 10-minute walk from Agios Stefanos monastery, the Monastery of Holy Trinity is situated atop a stunning pillar-like rock that rises approximately 300 meters above Kalabaka. For those interested in exploring further, the old trail once used by the monks can be found at the base of the cliff, providing a fascinating path down to the town of Kalabaka.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a history buff, the Monastery of Holy Trinity offers a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of the Meteora region.

Useful info

Summer timetable
Visiting Hours: 10:00 to 16:00. The monastery stays closed on Thursdays.
Winter timetable
Visiting Hours: 10:00 to 16:00. The monastery stays closed on Thursdays.
Contact Number
+30 24320 22220
Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monastery. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts and shawls are available at the entrance in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.

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The history of Agia Triada

The records regarding the initial establishment of the monastery are somewhat unclear, but it is known to have existed as a monastery since at least the year 1362, as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologus from that same year.

The first founder of the monastery is believed to be a monk named Dometious, who lived on the cliff during the 14th century. The main chapel, or Catholicon, of the monastery is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and was built in the 15th century. The iconography and frescoes of the chapel were painted between the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, the monastery has a smaller chapel dedicated to John the Baptist, constructed in the 17th century.

Like most other monasteries in Meteora, the Monastery of Agia Triada fell into decline and was abandoned by the early 20th century. In 1909, a small group of Greek archaeologists surveying the monastery accidentally discovered a crypt containing 47 rare parchments and ancient codices. By 1925, the local bishop, with the assistance of the community, completed the construction of stairs to ensure safe access to the monastery.

During World War II, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity suffered significant damage, with one of its main buildings burning to the ground. The monastery underwent extensive renovations in the 1970s and today remains an active and open monastery for visitors.

Agoa Triada: The celebrity among the monasteries

Holy Trinity Monastery gained celebrity status among the other monasteries of Meteora when it was featured in the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” The film stars Roger Moore as the iconic secret agent, alongside Carole Bouquet, Chaim Topol, Julian Glover, and others. In this classic Bond film, the monastery is portrayed as the abandoned mountaintop monastery of St. Cyril.

Although the film’s producers initially secured permission from the Greek Ministry of Culture to shoot inside the Holy Trinity, the monks of Meteora strongly opposed this decision. As a result, the producers were only allowed to film the exterior of the monastery. For the indoor scenes, they had to construct an entirely new set that resembled a monastery on a nearby cliff.

Filming at the site lasted for several months, during which many locals participated in the production, serving as stunt performers and technical crew. This early ’80s James Bond film brought global fame and attention to Meteora for the first time. As a result, Meteora and the Holy Trinity Monastery have since secured their place among the most recognizable landmarks in Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meteora The Monasteries

What are the visiting hours and days of the monasteries

The opening hours often change from year to year, so beware when relying on information provided in guidebooks or general websites. We will try to do our best in keeping the timetable of visiting times and days of monasteries up-to-date. Check the opening hours of Meteora monasteries here.

How many monasteries can I see in one day?

Before we answer this question we have to specify that everything should be taken into account. It depends on how fit you are, the transportation and time available, weather conditions ect. Most people are able to visit between 2 to 4 monasteries per day. The few visitors who visit all 6 of them within one day are missing out a magical, more slow-paced adventure. We recommend at least 2 days stay in Meteora.

Is there a dress code to enter a monastery?

Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts and shawls are available to borrow or buy at the entrance of monasteries in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.

How many stairs for each monastery?

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Great Meteoro are the less accessible (over 300 steps). Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140. Some of the monasteries apart the staircases requires uphill walking in paved paths. The Holy Monastery of St Stephen is connected with a walking bridge, thus making it more accessible than any other monastery.

What is the Entrance fee for the monasteries?

In each monastery there is an entrance fee of 5 euro per person. Kids up to 12 years old they don’t pay entrance fees in the monasteries.

Should I take the car to drive to monasteries or is better using other means?

There are many reasons not to want to drive while exploring Meteora — like if you’re not confident driving on the opposite side of the road, your spouse is a terrible copilot and you just want to have fun instead of arguing; or if you want to enjoy the scenic road and not to feel stress about the narrow and curvy roads. Lack of parking space outside the monasteries is especially frequent phenomenon during the pick period in the summer. So by joining one of our tours might save you a lot of headaches and unwanted distractions.

Location of Holy Trinity Monastery on the Map

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