Roussanou Monastery, Kalabaka, Greece

The Monastery of Roussanou was founded in the middle of the 16th century. 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 in 1988. 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.

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User Reviews

Christina S (28 days ago)
It was unacceptable the fact that you can't enter the monastery if you are a woman wearing trousers unless you pay 3€! I am OK with the amount of 3€ but that was truly illegal! No receipt for buying that plastic fabric! When I asked to pay with a card they said they didn't even have electricity there which was a complete lie! Skip the monastery or come there with your own long skirt! I am truly sorry to say as an orthodox that this place is robbing people and the Greek state like that!

Hagal Hagal (2 months ago)
Very beautiful and unique. A must if you love history and art. The staff could be friendlier.

Mary Kikikis (2 months ago)
This monastery (convent) is a gem! The church has brilliant wall paintings from 1560, the lovely little veranda has expansive views of the other monasteries and the area, and there are gorgeous little pocket gardens. We also took the footpath above the monastery a short distance to enjoy even more spectacular views.

Agnieszka Mikolajczak (2 months ago)
I was not able to enter despite having long trekking pants. Lady at the entry was super rude. Highly recommend to skip this place and and visit other monasteries.

Blue Mermaidy (3 months ago)
Downstairs it has a historical journey about the temple and it's very interesting the museum..and the view is beautiful.

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