The Monastery of St. Barbara or Roussanou
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, located at Meteora was first established in the 14th century. It received the name probably from the first hermit-monk who settled on the rock during that period. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later by a monk who lived at the monastery.
Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent not that long ago in 1988 and today more than 15 sister nuns live in the monastery.
Join our Half-Day morning sightseeing Tour of Meteora to visit Roussanou
The beautiful wall-paintings of the Catholicon were executed in 1560, when the priest-monk Arsenios was the abbot of the monastery. The unknown hagiographer seems to have been a very skilful artist and successfully follows the Cretan School style. The mo
Visit Roussanou for a different view of the surrounding cliffs and the adjacent Meteora Monasteries. Follow the pathway from this monastery to the upper main road and discover an off-the-road panoramic view point spot that allows you to walk on bear rocks! Don’t miss out on this photo opportunity!
Read the 5 important things to know before you visit the monasteries
Location of the monastery
Summer timetable
Visiting Hours: 10:00 to 16:00.
The monastery stays closed on Wednesdays.
Winter timetable
Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 14:00.
The monastery stays closed on Wednesdays.
Contact Number
+30 24320 22649
Great Meteoron Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.
Varlaam Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.
Roussanou Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later.
St. Stephen’s Monastery
his is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery.
Holy Trinity Monastery
The Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating!
St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
This monastery is the first to be encountered on the way up and probably served to the pilgrims and other visitors as a resting place before continuing on.
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