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THE MONASTERY OF ROUSSANOU

OPENING HOURS 

Summer Timetable

(May 15th to October 31st)

Opening Hours

9:00 - 16:30
closing 16:00 on Sundays

Days Closed 

Closed on Wednesdays

Winter Timetable

(November 1st to May 14th)

Opening Hours

9:00 - 14:00

closing 16:00 on Sundays

Days Closed 

Closed on Wednesdays

USEFUL INFOS

Access Difficulty

Easy access via two bridges and a short staircase. Suitable for most visitors.

Entrance Fee

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

Dress Code

Visitors must dress modestly when entering the monasteries. Women should wear knee-length skirts and tops covering the shoulders, while men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless clothing is not allowed. Wrap-around skirts are often provided at the entrance.

The Holy Monastery of Rousanou is one of the most picturesque and impressive monasteries of Meteora, built on a narrow and steep rock between the monasteries of Varlaam and Saint Nicholas Anapafsas. The building complex covers almost the entire surface of the rock, creating the impression that it is a natural extension of it.

Today, the monastery operates as a nunnery, although it was originally a male monastery. It stands out for its well-maintained aesthetics, with beautiful gardens and flowers that create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

Its history likely dates back to the 14th century, although its exact origins are not fully documented. The present form of the monastery was mainly shaped in the 16th century, when the monks Ioasaf and Maximos from Ioannina rebuilt the monastery and constructed the katholikon in 1530, on the ruins of an earlier church.

The katholikon is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, while Saint Barbara is also particularly venerated. It is a small yet elegant domed church, decorated with remarkable frescoes of the post-Byzantine period.

Access to the monastery is relatively easy, via steps and two bridges, which were built in 1930, replacing older and more difficult methods such as rope ladders and nets.

Throughout its history, the monastery experienced periods of prosperity and decline and suffered significant damage during World War II. In the late 20th century, it was restored and re-established as a nunnery, maintaining an active monastic community to this day.

Its unique setting, distinctive architecture, easy access, and warm atmosphere make the Monastery of Rousanou one of the most beloved and photogenic destinations in Meteora.

OPENING HOURS 

Summer Timetable

(May 15th to October 31st)

Opening Hours

9:00 - 16:30 closing 16:00 on Sundays

Days Closed 

Closed on Wednesdays

Winter Timetable

(November 1st to May 14th)

Opening Hours

9:00 - 14:00 closing 16:00 on Sundays

Days Closed 

Closed on Wednesdays

USEFUL INFOS

Access Difficulty

Easy access via two bridges and a short staircase. Suitable for most visitors.

Entrance Fee

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

Dress Code

Visitors must dress modestly when entering the monasteries. Women should wear knee-length skirts and tops covering the shoulders, while men must wear long trousers. Sleeveless clothing is not allowed. Wrap-around skirts are often provided at the entrance.

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