Monastery of Roussanou

The Monastery of Roussanou — formally the Monastery of St. Barbara — perches on a narrow pinnacle at the centre of the Meteora cluster. From its terraces you can see almost every other monastery, which makes it the most photogenic of the six.

Founded in the 14th century, its present-day cathedral was built and frescoed in the 16th century, with the main fresco programme dated to 1540. Today it is a convent of nuns, who maintain the church and the small museum.

Highlights

• The 1540 fresco cycle inside the katholikon
• Panoramic terraces with views of Varlaam, Holy Trinity and Great Meteoron
• The small bridge from the access ridge to the monastery — one of the most photographed details in Meteora

Visiting in practice

• The shortest climb of the cluster — only a short stairway from the parking.
• Strict dress code; wrap-skirts are loaned to women.
• Bring €5 in cash per person.