Editing Meteora (section)

==The Monasteries of Meteora==
At their peak in the 16th century, there were 24 monasteries at Meteora in Greece. They were created to serve monks and nuns following the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Much of the architecture of these buildings is Athonite in origin. Today there are six still functioning, while the remainder are largely in ruin. Perched onto high cliffs, they are now accessible by staircases and pathways cut into the rock formations.<ref name=Hammond1965 />

=== List of monasteries ===
Traditionally, the 24 historic monasteries of Meteora are listed as follows.<ref>{{cite web|title=ΜΕΤΕΩΡΑ|website=users.sch.gr|url=http://users.sch.gr//elianos/meteora_in1.htm|language=el|access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref><ref name="Provatakis">{{cite book|last=Provatakis|first=Theocharis M.|year=2006|title=Meteora: History of monasteries and monasticism|place=Athens|publisher=Michalis Toubis Publications S.A.|isbn=960-540-095-2}}</ref> Coordinates are also given for some sites.<ref name="vlioras">{{cite web|last=Vlioras|first=Spyridon|date=2017|title=Μετεωρικές μονές: Συμβολή στον απαιτούμενο και ευκταίο διάλογο|website=Σπυρίδων Βλιώρας (Προσωπική ιστοσελίδα)|url=https://www.vlioras.gr/Personal/Interests/Articles/2017.05.26.Meteora.htm|language=el|access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> The list is primarily sourced from Vlioras (2017),<ref name="vlioras"/> with some additional notes from Provatakis (2006).<ref name="Provatakis"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! English !! Greek transliteration !! Greek script !! Notes !! Image
|-
| {{ill|Monastery of the Holy Archangels (Meteora)|lt=Monastery of the Holy Archangels|bg|Свети Архангели (Метеора)}} || Agion Taxiarchon || Αγίων Ταξιαρχών || Monastery ruins ({{Coord|39.717067|21.635697|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of the Holy Archangels}}) on Archangel (Taxiarchon) Rock (Βράχος Ταξιαρχών). || 
|-
| [[Monastery of the Apostle Peter's Chains]] || Alyseos Apostolou Petrou || Αλύσεως Αποστόλου Πέτρου || Probably built around 1400. Ruins ({{Coord|39.712752|21.629524|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of the Apostle Peter's Chains}}) on [[Alysos]] (Άλσος) Rock. || [[File:J26 497 Altsos.jpg|125px|Altsos Rock]]
|-
| [[Monastery of the Pantocrator]] || Pantokratora || Παντοκράτορα || Mentioned in documents from 1650. Ruins ({{Coord|39.722293|21.621406|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of the Pantocrator}}) at the [[Dupiani]] area. It is located about 30 metres above the ground. || [[File:C1.28 Pandokrátor-Ruinen.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. John of Bunilas]] || Ioannou tou Bounela || Ιωάννου του Μπουνήλα || Ruins of monastery walls in an area called Bunila, known as Palaiomonastiro ({{lang|el|Παλαιομονάστηρο}}). || 
|-
| [[Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Meteora)|Monastery of St. John the Baptist]] || Agiou Ioanne Prodromou || Αγίου Ιωάννη Προδρόμου || Founded in the mid-17th century. Ruins ({{Coord|39.723732|21.624006|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. John the Baptist}}) located on a rock directly adjacent to the [[Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]]. The rock on which the monastery was built was the residence of [[Athanasius the Meteorite]]. Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, the founders of the [[Monastery of Varlaam]], also lived on the rock for seven years before they built Varlaam. || [[File:C1.26 Agios Ioánnis Pródomos.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Ypsilotera Monastery]] / Kalligrafon || Mones Ypseloteras / Kalligrafon || Μονής Υψηλωτέρας / Καλλιγράφων || The monastery was famous for its manuscripts and calligraphers. Founded in 1347 by Paschalis of Kalambaka. Ruins ({{Coord|39.725090|21.627798|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Ypsilotera Monastery}}) located on Ypsilotera Rock (585.7 m<ref name="arch"/>) next to the "Devil's Tower", a geological rock formation that is between the [[Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]] and [[Monastery of Varlaam]]. In the photo to the left, Ypsilotera is the free-standing dome-shaped rock on the left, covered with vegetation on top. || [[File:20140414 meteora134.JPG|150px]]
|-
| [[Kallistratou Monastery]] || Kallistratou || Καλλιστράτου || Exact location uncertain. In the general area of the [[Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]] and [[Monastery of Rousanou]]. Also known as the Monastery of Christ the Savior (Μονὴ Σωτῆρος Χριστοῦ, ''Moni Sotiros Christou''). || 
|-
| [[Panagia of Mikani Monastery]] (Paleopanagia) || Panagias tes Mekanes / Palaiopanagia || Παναγίας της Μήκανης / Παλαιοπαναγιά || Founded in 1358 in a rock cave ({{coord|39|48|8|N|21|40|42|E|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Palaiopanagia Monastery}}). 7&nbsp;km north of [[Vlachava]] village, near the Ion (or Mikani) River, a tributary of the [[Pineios (Thessaly)|Pineios]].<ref>Bourlis Alexios (archimandrite), ''The Holy Monastery of Panagia of Meikani''. The monastery of Paleopanagia Vlachava, Athens 2009. // Μπουρλής Αλέξιος (αρχιμανδρίτης), Η Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας της Μήκανης. Το μοναστήρι της Παλαιοπαναγιάς Βλαχάβας, Athens 2009.</ref> It can be reached via a dirt road that goes out to the northeast from the village center of Vlachava. A carved staircase leads up to the rock cave. Elevation: about 600 m. Also, directly behind it lies Kallistra Rock (βράχος Καλλίστρα), the site of the ruins of the Monastery of St. Kallistos (Μονή Αγίων Αποστόλων Καλλίστου), which is also called the Monastery of the Holy Apostles (Μονή των Αγίων Αποστόλων). || 
|-
| [[Monastery of Great Meteoron]] || Metamorfoses || της Μεταμόρφωσης || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:Megalo_Meteoro_panorama.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of Rousanou]] / Arsanou || Rousanou / Arsanou || Ρουσάνου / Αρσάνου || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:Meteora - Rousanou Monastery 1.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Anthony (Meteora)|Monastery of St. Anthony]] || Agiou Antoniou || Αγίου Αντωνίου || Built around the 14th century, only a small church has survived from the monastery ({{Coord|39.712166|21.621643|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Anthony}}), on the south side of [[Pyxari]] Rock. || [[File:J26 548 Ágios Andónios.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of Varlaam]] / All Saints || Varlaam / Agion Panton || Βαρλαάμ / Αγίων Πάντων || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:Μονή Βαρλαάμ Μετεώρων από κάτω.jpg|150px]]
|-
| {{ill|Monastery of St. George of Mandila|bg|Свети Георги Мандилски}} || Agiou Georgiou tou Mandela || Αγίου Γεωργίου του Μανδηλά || Ruins at the [[Holy Spirit Rock|Holy Spirit]] (Agion Pnefma) Rock ({{Coord|39.718336|21.622516|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. George of Mandila}}). Kerchiefs (''mandilia'') are traditionally hung at the cave entrance. The cave is 15 metres long and 4–5 metres deep at its center, and is located about 30 metres above the ground. It may have been one of the four monasteries founded around 1367 by Neilos, the [[Prior (ecclesiastical)|Prior]] of the Skete of Stagoi. The Cave of St. George of Mandila may be the same as the Cave of Archimandrite Makarios near Pigadion. || [[File:J26 454 Ágios Jórgos Mandilás.jpg|150px]]
|-
| {{ill|Monastery of St. Gregory|bg|Свети Григорий (Метеора)}} || Agiou Gregoriou || Αγίου Γρηγορίου || Founded in the 14th century. Ruins ({{Coord|39.712271|21.621536|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Gregory}}) on [[Pyxari]] Rock. || [[File:J26 538 Einsiedeleien im Pixari.jpg|125px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Dimitrios]] || Agiou Demetriou || Αγίου Δημητρίου || Destroyed by [[Ali Pasha of Ioannina|Ali Pasha Tepelena]] in 1809 since Greek insurgents led by [[Thymios Vlachavas]] had set up their headquarters in the monastery. Ruins ({{Coord|39.7332099|21.6310140|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Dimitrios}}) on Dimitrios Rock above [[Ypapantis Monastery]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Node: ‪Άγιος Δημήτριος‬ (4332250541)|website=OpenStreetMap|date=4 May 2020|url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4332250541|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> || [[File:J26 463 Klosterruinen Ágios Dimítrios.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Modestus]] || Agiou Modestou || Αγίου Μοδέστου || Built around the 12th century. First mentioned in a 12th-century letter. Also mentioned in 1614. Ruins ({{Coord|39.714796|21.629437|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Modestus}}) on Modesto ([[Modi (Meteora)|Modi]]) Rock (rock on the right in the photo). || [[File:J26 559 »Spindel«, Surloti, Modestos.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Holy Monastery (Meteora)|Holy Monastery]] || Agias Mones || Αγίας Μονής || The monastery was mentioned in 1614, which at the time was inhabited by more than 20 monks. Ruins ({{Coord|39.723969|21.627943|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Holy Monastery}}) in the Sterna area near [[Ypsilotera Monastery]]. The monastery had also sought to gain recognition as a [[stavropegion]]. || [[File:J26 588 Ágia Moní.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Nicholas of Badova]] / Nikolaus Kofina || Agiou Nikolaou tou Bantova / Agiou Nikolaou Kofina || Αγίου Νικολάου του Μπάντοβα / Αγίου Νικολάου Κοφινά || Founded {{circa}} 1400 in a rock cave on [[Badovas]] Rock. Not preserved, since in 1943 it was bombed and destroyed by the Germans. Ruins ({{Coord|39.710731|21.622125|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Nicholas of Badova}}), which can be reached via a series of ladders passing through three caves, located at the southwestern edge of the Meteora rock complex. || [[File:J26 541 Ágios Nikólaos Bándovas.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]] || Agiou Nikolaou Anapausa || Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:GR-meteora-st-nikolaos.jpg|125px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of Saint Stephen (Meteora)|Monastery of St. Stefanos]] || Agiou Stefanou || Αγίου Στεφάνου || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:Moni Agiou Stephanou BW 2017-10-07 10-59-13.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora|Monastery of the Holy Trinity]] || Agias Triados || Αγίας Τριάδος || One of the 6 open monasteries today. || [[File:Meteora_Agios_Triadas_IMG_7632.jpg|125px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of the Holy Apostles (Meteora)|Monastery of the Holy Apostles]] || Agion Apostolon || Αγίων Αποστόλων || Ruins have been preserved ({{Coord|39.711703|21.625157|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of the Holy Apostles}}). Founded in the early 16th century (perhaps by the monk Kallistos) and documented in 1551. Only ruins, murals, carved stairs, and a cistern remain. Located on Agia Rock at the southern edge of the Meteora rock complex. Full Greek name: {{lang|el|Ιερά Μονή Αγίων Αποστόλων (Αϊά)}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ερειπωμένα ναι, ξεχασμένα όχι! Μια αναφορά στις Μετεωρίτικες μονές των Αγίων Αποστόλων|website=ΒΗΜΑ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ|url=https://www.vimaorthodoxias.gr/monastiria-tou-kosmou/%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%80%CF%89%CE%BC%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CE%BE%CE%B5%CF%87%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CF%8C%CF%87%CE%B9-%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B1%CF%86/?print=print|language=el|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> || [[File:07Meteora12.jpg|125px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Theodore]] || Agion Theodoron || Αγίων Θεοδώρων || Ruins ({{Coord|39.663677|21.694746|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Theodore}}) located near [[Theopetra Cave]], southeast of Kalabaka town. || 
|-
| [[Ypapantis Monastery]] || Ypapantes || Υπαπαντής || Founded in 1367 by the Prior/Abbot of the Skete of Dupiani. In 1765, it was restored by Athanasios Vlachavas, a local leader. Today, Ypapantis Monastery (literally "Monastery of the Purification [of the Virgin Mary]") is inactive and rarely visited, although the building ({{Coord|39.733470|21.630868|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Ypapantis Monastery}}) has been restored.<ref>Sofianos Z. Dimitrios, Deriziotis Lazaros, ''The Holy Monastery of Ipapanti of Meteora''. Academy of Athens, 2011, {{ISBN|978-960-404-218-0}}. // {{lang|el|Σοφιανός Ζ. Δημήτριος, Δεριζιώτης Λάζαρος, Η Ιερά Μονή της Υπαπαντής των Μετεώρων. Δεύτερο μισό του 14ου αιώνα}}, εκδ. Ακαδημία Αθηνών, 2011, σελ. 184, {{ISBN|978-960-404-218-0}}.</ref> The interior of the building is usually closed to visitors. Accessible by footpaths, one of which passes by [[Ftelias]] (Φτελιάς) Rock. || [[File:X2.00a Ypapantískloster.jpg|150px]]
|}

Other sites ([[skete]]s, [[hermitage (religious retreat)|hermitages]], rocks, etc.) include:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Site !! Notes !! Image
|-
| [[Dupiani]] (Δούπιανη) || Rock with the first monastery (or {{ill|Skete of the Holy Virgin of Dupiani|bg|Дупянски скит}}), also known as the ''Panagia Parthénos Kyriákou'' Monastery ({{Coord|39.721072|21.619516|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Panagia Parthenos Kyriakou}}), founded in Meteora, and also the name of the rock on which it is built. The original monastery itself has not survived. The early 13th-century chapel built on this site is still in use and maintained. Renovations took place in 1867 and 1974. Located on the north side of [[Kastraki, Trikala|Kastraki]] village. The [[Monastery of St. Dimitrios of Dupiani]] ({{Coord|39.722322|21.621405|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Dimitrios of Dupiani}}) at Dupiani is not to be confused with the Monastery of St. Dimitrios adjacent to [[Ypapantis Monastery]]. || [[File:Dupiani.png|100px]]
|-
| {{ill|Agiou Pneuma (Meteora)|lt=Agiou Pneuma|bg|Свети Дух (Метеора)}} ("Holy Spirit"; {{langx|el|Αγίου Πνεύματος|translit=Agiou Pneumatos}}) || Rock monastery with ruins ({{Coord|39.718285|21.625010|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Agiou Pneuma}}) connected by a narrow rock-carved path. Preserved [[sarcophagus]], [[monastic cell]]s, two cisterns, and a rock-carved altar and shrine. || [[File:J26 570 Felsenkirche Ágion Pnéwma.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Monks' Prison (Meteora)|Monks' Prison]] (''[[:commons:Category:Filakaé Monakón|Filakaé Monakón]]'') || The Monks' Prison ({{Coord|39.720162|21.627118|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monks Prison}}) is perched on a rock cliff on the [[Agion Pneuma Rock]]. It may be the same as the Cave of Neophytos, the founder of the St. Dimitrios and Pantokrator monasteries on [[Dupiani]] Rock. Also known as Oglas (Ογλάς) or the Nuns' Prison (Φυλακές των Καλογέρων, ''Fylakes ton Kalogeron''). || [[File:C2.01 Filakaé Monakón.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Hermitage of St. Athanasius of Meteora]] ({{langx|el|Άγιος Αθανάσιος}}) || Ruins of a hermitage on the [[Holy Spirit Rock]] said to be inhabited by St. [[Athanasios the Meteorite]] (Ἀθανάσιος ὁ Μετεωρίτης) ({{Coord|39.717172|21.622431|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Hermitage of St. Athanasius of Meteora}}). The [[Cave of St. Athanasius of Meteora]] ({{Coord|39.724027|21.627965|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Cave of St. Athanasius of Meteora}}) is next to the Holy Monastery.<ref>Sofianos Z. Dimitrios, The Hosios Athanasios the Meteorite: Life, sequence, synaxaria. Prolegomena, translation of the Life, critical edition of texts, ed. of I.M.M. Meteoros (Metamorphosis), Meteora 1990, no. 21. // Βέης Νικόλαος, «Συμβολή εις την ιστορία των μονών των Μετεώρων», Βυζαντίς 1, 1909, σελ. 236, 274–276.</ref> || 
|-
| [[Pyxari]] (Πυξάρι) || Rock with cave hermitages perched on cliffs, formerly inhabited by ascetics. Located at the southwestern edge of the Meteora rock complex. || [[File:J26 545 Pixariwand, Einsiedeleien.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Ambaria]] (Αμπάρια) || Rock with cave hermitages perched on cliffs, formerly inhabited by ascetics. Located at the southwestern edge of the Meteora rock complex. || [[File:J26 534 Ambariá.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Eustratius]] (Moni Agios Efstratios, Μονή Αγίου Ευστρατίου) || Little-known monastery on [[Surloti]] Rock (βράχου Σουρλωτή). || [[File:J26 558 »Spindel«, Surloti.jpg|100px|Surloti Rock]]
|-
| Staircase of St. Eustratius || The Staircase of St. Eustratius ({{Coord|39.717349|21.634427|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Staircase of St. Eustratius}}) is located on the eastern side of St. Eustratios Rock. There are a few different stairways carved into the rock. || [[File:Eustratius rock stairs Meteora.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of Theostiriktos]] (Μονή Θεοστηρίκτου) || Location uncertain. In the general area of Stylos Stagios (βράχου Στύλος Σταγών) / [[Agion Pneuma Rock]]. || 
|-
| [[Cell of Constantius]] (Κελί του Κωνστάντιου) || Northeast of [[Pyxari]] Rock in a forested valley ({{Coord|39.7142225|21.6249977|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Cell of Constantius}}).<ref>{{cite web|title=Node: ‪Κελί του Κωνστάντιου‬ (4382301210)|website=OpenStreetMap|date=26 April 2020|url=https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4382301210|access-date=2022-06-03}}</ref> Also called the Panagia Hermitage (Ασκητήριο της Παναγίας), Panagia Chapel (Ναός της Παναγίας), or Trani Church (Τρανή Εκκλησιά). || [[File:Cell of Constantius 1.jpg|100px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of St. Nicholas of Petra]] (Μονή Αγίου Νικολάου της Πέτρας) || Ruins ({{Coord|39.710824|21.621164|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Monastery of St. Nicholas of Petra}}) on [[Badovas]] / Bantova Rock, just to the west of the monastery of St. Nicholas of Badova. Also known as the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Skala (Αγίου Νικολάου της Σκάλας). || [[File:J26 542 Bándovastein, Ágios Nikólaos Bándovas.jpg|100px]]
|-
| Kelarakia ({{lang|el|Κελαράκια}}) || Ruins ({{coord|39.72514|21.63241|type:landmark_region:R-E|display=inline|name=Kelarakia}}) on a rock directly to the east of the [[Monastery of Varlaam]]. The Cell of St. Paul the Apostle ({{lang|el|Κελί του Αγίου Αποστόλου Παύλου}}) can probably be identified with Kelarakia. The Plakes (Πλάκες) area, a valley with various rocks, is located just south of Kelarakia. || [[File:20140414 meteora192.JPG|100px]]
|-
| [[Monastery of the Three Hierarchs]] (Μονή των Τριών Ιεραρχών) || Somewhere to the east of [[Kastraki, Trikala|Kastraki]]. Exact location unknown. || 
|}

=== The Great Meteoron ===
{{Main|Monastery of Great Meteoron}}
[[File:Great_Meteoron_Monastery_02.jpg|thumb|The Great Meteoron]]
[[File:Megalo_Meteoro_panorama.jpg|thumb|Great Meteoron Monastery]]

The Holy [[Monastery of Great Meteoron]] is the oldest and largest of the monasteries of Meteora. The monastery is believed to have been built just before the mid 14th century by a monk from Mount Athos named Saint [[Athanasios the Meteorite]].<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. p. 3</ref> He began the build with a church in dedication to the [[Catholic Mariology|Mother of God]], the [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]]. He later added small cells so that [[monk]]s could concentrate and live atop the rock formations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Meteora Tourist Information|url=https://www.visitmeteora.travel/meteora-tourist-info/|access-date=2021-12-02|website=Visit Meteora|date=30 November 2015|language=en-US}}</ref> The monastery's second name is, The Holy Monastery of the [[Transfiguration of Jesus|Transfiguration]], which got its name from the second church St. Meteorites built. The successor of Saint Athanasios was Saint Joasaph, who continued to build more cells, a hospital, and renovated the churches atop the rocks. The Monastery thrived in the 16th century when it received many imperial and royal donations.<ref name=":12">Poulios, Ioannis. Living Sites : The Past in the Present : The Monastic Site of Meteora, Greece : Towards a New Approach to Conservation. Jan. 2008. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsble&AN=edsble.503480&site=eds-live&scope=site. p149</ref> At the time it had over three hundred monks living and worshipping within its cells. It is still a living monastery as there were three monks in residence as of 2015.<ref>Poulios, Ioannis. Living Sites : The Past in the Present : The Monastic Site of Meteora, Greece : Towards a New Approach to Conservation. Jan. 2008. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsble&AN=edsble.503480&site=eds-live&scope=site. p15</ref><ref name=":0" />

Being the largest among all the monasteries allows it to have a particular layout filled with many buildings. The [[katholikon]] is dedicated to the [[Transfiguration of Jesus]] and was the first church of the monastery. The hermitage of the first founder of the monastery is a small building carved in rock. The kitchen or what is commonly referred to as the [[hestia]] is a dome-shaped building near the [[refectory]]. There is also a hospital, with its famous roof of the ground floor made of brick and supported on four columns. The three old churches or chapels include: The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist which lies next to the katholikon sanctuary, The Saints Constantine and [[Helen of Troy|Helen]] Chapel which is an aisle-less church with large [[Vault (architecture)|vault]], and finally the chapel of Virgin Mary situated in the cave.<ref name=":0" /><ref>"Look inside Meteora, a Remote Complex of Monasteries Built Thousands of Feet above the Ground in Greece." The Business Insider (Blogs on Demand), June 2020. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.655327382&site=eds-live&scope=site.</ref><ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. p. 78</ref>

=== Monastery of Varlaam ===
{{main|Monastery of Varlaam}}
[[File:Varlaam_Monastery,_Meteora.jpg|thumb|The Monastery of Varlaam]]
The [[Monastery of Varlaam]] is the second largest monastery of Meteora. The name Varlaam comes from a monk named Varlaam who scaled the rocks in 1350 and began construction on the [[Monastery|monasteries]]. Varlaam built three churches by hoisting materials up the face of the cliffs. After Varlaam's death, the monastery was abandoned for two hundred years until two monk brothers, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, came to the rock in the 16th century and began to rebuild the churches in October 1517.<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. pg. 135–137</ref> The two brothers from [[Ioannina]] spent twenty-two years hoisting materials to the top of the rock formation, however, the building only is reported to have taken around twenty days.<ref name=":2">"Holy Monastery of Varlaam." ''Kalampaka.com'', 10 July 2016, https://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora-monasteries/monastery-of-varlaam/ .</ref> Monks have been present since the 16th century, however, there has been a constant decline in their presence since the 17th century.<ref name=":12"/><ref name=":2" /> Today the monastery is accessed through a series of ladders that scale the north side of the rock. The museum is open to travelers and contains a wide array of relics and ecclesiastical treasures.  {{As of|2015}} there are seven monks remaining in Varlaam.<ref name=":2" />

=== Monastery of Rousanou ===
{{main|Monastery of Rousanou}}
[[File:Meteora_-_Rousanou_Monastery_1.jpg|left|thumb|The Monastery of Rousanou located atop the rock structures]]
The [[Monastery of Rousanou]] is believed to have been constructed, like many of the other monasteries, in the 14th century.<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. pg. 144</ref> The cathedral is believed to have been built in the 16th century and later decorated in 1540. The name Rousanou is believed to come from the first group of monks who settled on the rock from Russia.<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. pg 147</ref> The monastery sits on the elevation 484 meters. Lying in the middle of the site, visitors can see the other monasteries, as well as the ruins of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist and the Pantokrator.<ref>"[https://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora-monasteries/monastery-of-rousanou/ Holy Monastery of Rousanou]." ''Kalampaka.com'', 10 July 2016.</ref>

=== Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas ===
{{main|Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas}}
[[File:Monastery_of_St._Nicholas_Anapausas.jpg|right|thumb|The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]]
The [[Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas]] is located atop a small narrow rock. It is approximately eighty meters high and the first which the pilgrims encounter on their way to the holy Meteora. The Monastery was founded in the late 14th century and today is surrounded by the deserted and ruined monasteries of St. John Prodromos, the [[Christ Pantocrator|Pantocrator]], and the chapel of Panagia Doupiani.<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. p. 158</ref> The monastery served as a resting place for pilgrims and quickly got its name of ''Anapausas'' (modern pronunciation ''anapafseos''), 'resting'.<ref name=":4">{{cite book | last=Hellander | first=Paul | title=Greece | publisher=Lonely Planet | publication-place=Footscray, Vic. | date=2008 | isbn=978-1-74104-656-4 | oclc=182664010}}</ref><ref name=":5"/> Being on such a narrow surface, the floors are connected through an interior staircase. St. Nicholas is honored on the second floor where the [[katholikon]] is located. On the third floor, there is the [[Altar|Holy Table]] and the walls are decorated by 14th-century frescoes. The monastery has been restored in the 16th century and again in the 1960s.<ref name=":5" />

=== Monastery of the Holy Trinity ===
{{main|Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora}}
[[File:Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora 01.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora|Monastery of The Holy Trinity]]]]
The [[Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora|Monastery of the Holy Trinity]] is believed to have been built in the 14th and 15th century. Even prior to this, ancient Greeks established hermitages at the base of the rock cliffs.<ref>"Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity." ''Kalampaka.com'', 10 July 2016, https://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora-monasteries/monastery-of-holy-trinity/ .</ref> In the 14th century, [[John Uroš]] moved to the Meteora and endowed and built monasteries on top of the rock cliffs. He offered the sanctuaries as a safe haven during times of political upheaval.<ref name=":4" /> The monk Dometius was said to be the founder of the monastery, arriving at the site of Holy Trinity in 1438. The actual monastery is believed to have been built between 1475 and 1476.<ref>Conder, Josiah (1830). ''Turkey''. J. Duncan. p. 348.</ref> Some do say that the exact construction date of the monastery like many of the other monasteries is unknown. By the end of the 16th century this was one of the last six monasteries still atop the Meteora.<ref name=Hammond1965 />

[[File:Monastery of St. Stephen at Meteora by Joy of Museums.jpg|thumb|The Monastery of St. Stephen]]

=== Monastery of St. Stephen ===
{{main|Monastery of Saint Stephen (Meteora)}}
The [[Monastery of Saint Stephen (Meteora)|Monastery of St. Stephen]] is located on a plateau-like structure. The original monastery was believed to have been built in the 14th century, however, a new [[katholikon]] was built in 1798 making it the newest of all the meteorite structures.<ref name=":6">"Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen." ''Kalampaka.com'', 10 July 2016, https://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora-monasteries/monastery-of-saint-stephen/ .</ref> The monastery is made up of many buildings including new katholikon, the "[[hestia]]" (kitchen), an old refectory that has since become a museum, and an assortment of rooms with different purposes.<ref>Nicol, Donald MacGillivray. Meteora : The Rock Monasteries of Thessaly by Donald M Nicol. Chapman and Hall, 1963. EBSCOhost, search-ebscohost-com.holycross.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat06787a&AN=chc.b1193287&site=eds-live&scope=site. p. 164-166</ref> These include workrooms for paintings, embroidery, incense-making, and needlework. The church's interior was decorated with [[fresco]]es on the inside for a short period after 1545. However, during the [[World war]]s, the [[Monastery|monasteries]] were bombed heavily and ransacked in the belief that the monks were holding refugees.<ref name=":6" /> {{As of|2015}}, the Monastery of St. Stephen is home to 28 nuns after its conversion to a nunnery in 1961.<ref name=":6" />