Holy Trinity Monastery

Kalabaka, Greece

The Holy Trinity Monastery (also known as Agia Triada) is situated at the top of a rocky precipice over 400 metres high and forms part of 24 monasteries which were originally built at Meteora. The church was constructed between the 14th and 15th centuries and is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites titled Meteora.

Holy Trinity was built in 1475–76, though some sources say the construction dates of the monastery and its adjoining chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, are unknown.

The church plan is in the form of a cruciform type and has a dome which is supported on two columns. The monastery’s main cathedral was constructed in the 15th century and decorated with frescoes in 1741 by two monks. A pseudo-trefoil window is part of the apse. There are white columns and arches, as well as rose-coloured tiles. A small skeuophylakion adjoining the church was built in 1684. Its broad esonarthex barrel vault was built in 1689 and embellished in 1692. The small chapel of St. John the Baptist, carved into the rock, contains frescoes from the seventeenth century. It was richly decorated and had precious manuscripts; however, these treasures were looted during World War II, when it was occupied by the Germans. The building's sixteenth-century frescoes are reported to be post-Byzantine paintings. A fresco of St Sisois and the skeleton of Alexander the Great adorns the walls.

At one time, fifty monks lived at Holy Trinity, but by the early twentieth century, there were only five. Visitors are allowed. Patrick Leigh Fermor is reported to have visited the monasteries here several decades ago, as a guest of the Abbot of Varlaam. Even then, Holy Trinity was one of the poorest monasteries in Meteora.

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Address

Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece
See all sites in Kalabaka

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Religious sites in Greece

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Marina Trencheva (13 months ago)
This monastery is one of my favourite so far. Inside and out this monastery is so beautiful. I loved the garden so much. This place is truly peaceful. It's amazing what you can see from the edge of the garden. The monastery offers a beautiful  view of the town and the rock formation surrounding this monastery as well as the other monasteries.
zsolt braun (14 months ago)
Must see! But don't go if its hot (weather) or go as early as you can!! Since there is so many steps (no elevators) it is a serious stuff. U can go and park with car no!need a "guided" tour. Take some extra drinks/snacks with U since not all the monesteries have a "buffet" however u can always ask for water "nero in Gr." . Don't rush for all of them if u feel one is enough... u probably right however funny how the Nun's monestry differ from the mens...see pics
Felix Heuer (16 months ago)
Beautiful monastery and great view from the top. Entrance fee in May 2023 was 4€/person. There was sufficient parking space on the roadside. After leaving your car, you will have to continue your way to the monastery by foot. Be ready for some elevation on the way up to the monastery, however nothing too challenging.
גטר ישראל (16 months ago)
Oh my God, what an amazing place!!! I was literally blown away. These monestries are absolutely amazing. Don't miss it out. I drove almost 3 hours to get there and 3 hours back, but I enjoyed every single moment! When I visited, there were hundreds of people, if not more, but since the place is soooo big, there was plenty of room, and I had one of my best adventures ever! It is amazing, but I just can't stop wondering how, in the 14th century, they managed to build these gorgeous monasteries so high up on cliffs!!! I was truly vlown away! Don't miss it out!
Macy delorme (16 months ago)
Amazing views and art within the monastery. They also provided long skirts for people that did not have modest clothing, provided you arrived there early. We also hiked up to it, which was steep and sometimes challenging but very rewarding. €3 was the entry fee per person.
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