Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen

Saint Stephen Nunnery stands at the southern edge of Meteora, just above Kalabaka, and is one of the most easily accessible monasteries in the area. A small stone bridge leads directly to the entrance, offering convenient access for visitors of all ages.

The origins of the monastery go back to the late 12th century, when the first monks settled here. The founder is considered to be the hermit Jeremiah (1191/2), while the monastery took its current form mainly thanks to the initiatives of monk and later abbot Antonios Kantakouzenos, a descendant of a great Byzantine family. Renovations by monk Philotheos also breathed new life into the monastery’s complex.

Over the centuries, the monastery flourished. In 1545, it gained the privilege of becoming a stauropegic monastery, and in 1798 a new church was built, dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who is also the second patron of the nunnery. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the monastery gradually took on the form it maintains today.

Highlights include the old katholikon (main church), where the frescoes were created in two phases by distinguished iconographers, as well as the new katholikon with its impressive dome, now adorned with modern frescoes by Tsotsonis.

The monastery has operated as a nunnery since 1961 and is renowned for its vibrant social work and warm hospitality. Visitors can explore the well-maintained premises, the museum with its relics, and enjoy stunning views of Kalabaka and the Thessalian plain. Saint Stephen Nunnery is an excellent choice for those seeking easy access, spirituality, and historical interest in Meteora.