St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery

Kalabaka, Greece

St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery is one of six monasteries built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area of Meteora.

Hermits seem to have first occupied this rock in the early 14th century, as evidenced by remains of frescoes in the Chapel of St. Anthony. The present monastery was founded in 1510 by St. Dionysius, Metropolitan of Larisa, and Nikanoras, priest-monk and exarch of Stagoi. The name 'Anapafsas' is of unknown origin; it may be the surname of an early monk or founder.

The monastery was abandoned by 1900 and fell into disrepair until it was renovated in the 1960s by the archaeological service. It was then inhabited by Father Palamas until 1982, after which the monastery closed. In 1997, priests of Kalampaka began to open the monastery to tourists every summer. Today, one monk lives at Agios Nikolaos, the abbot archimandrite Polykarpos Venetis.

References:
  • Sacred Destinations

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Address

Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece
See all sites in Kalabaka

Details

Founded: 1510
Category: Religious sites in Greece

More Information

www.kalampaka.com
www.sacred-destinations.com
www.visitmeteora.travel

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Monastery of Great Meteoron (0,3 km)
Varlaam Monastery (0,5 km)
Roussanou Monastery (0,7 km)
Meteora (0,6 km)
Holy Trinity Monastery (1,5 km)
St. Stephen Monastery (2 km)

User Reviews

Dasha Budiakivska (18 months ago)
Very nice place, with exciting views! It is not crowded, you can go up freely. If you want to enter the monk's part, you have to pay 3 euros. But the landscape is beautiful and very unusual
Robert Cooke (19 months ago)
Closest monastery to Kastraki. There are some really nice frescos inside and awesome 360 degree views on top. It is also 1 of the quieter monasteries to visit as well which makes it a nicer experience.
Mehraneh Mehr (19 months ago)
One of the most beautiful places, that I have ever seen.
Sergey Poleff (19 months ago)
Tiny church with beautiful frescoes. Climb up to the bell and enjoy 360° view
Dev Pal Charan (2 years ago)
very good memorable trip. beautiful place. lovely surrounding
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