These two monasteries are often visited together because they sit close to the main road and the best viewing points. Roussanou is a community of nuns, built on a slender pillar and joined to the path by a short bridge, and its compact buildings seem to grow straight out of the rock. St Nicholas Anapausas is built on a smaller footprint, with its small rooms stacked on several levels, and its church is known for frescoes in the Cretan style from the early sixteenth century. Neither monastery is large, and that is the appeal. The visit is short, the interiors are intimate, and the terraces give unobstructed views of the nearby rocks. Together they show a quieter side of Meteora than the grander monasteries, and both can be reached without a long climb.
How it works
Both monasteries charge a few euros for entry, paid in cash at the door, and both are active religious places with a modest dress code. The weekly closing days differ. Roussanou is closed on Wednesdays, and St Nicholas Anapausas is closed on Fridays.
In winter from 1 November the hours shorten, and Roussanou can close as early as 14:00 on weekdays, while St Nicholas stays open into the mid afternoon on some sources. Check the day and the time before you set out, because these small communities can change hours for services and feasts.
What to expect
Roussanou has a short bridge and a modest staircase, while St Nicholas requires more steps and is the more physically demanding of the pair. Interiors are small, so groups queue at busy times. In November the area is calm and cold, with soft light and few visitors. If it rains, the stone paths can be slick, so shoes with grip help. St Nicholas lies close to Kastraki village, so it is a short walk from several hotels.
Making the most of it
Visit in the late morning, then continue to a viewpoint for a longer look at both buildings from the outside. The tour linked here is a small-group half-day monasteries tour with hotel pickup, which is a practical way to link the two without a car. Ask whether entry fees are included, since they are normally paid separately and in cash. Combine with Varlaam or Great Meteoron on a different day if you want to avoid rushing.
What to expect
The experience
Short self-guided visits to two small, active monasteries, or two stops on a half-day tour.
Best time
Late morning on an open day, with Roussanou avoided on Wednesdays and St Nicholas avoided on Fridays.
How long
About forty-five minutes at each, plus walking and photographs.
Tips
Roussanou closes earliest in winter, so see it first, and bring cash and modest clothing for both.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and anyone who prefers small, quiet monasteries.
- Families
- Roussanou is the easier of the two for children, while St Nicholas has more steps.
- Couples
- A short, scenic visit followed by a slow late lunch in Kastraki.
- Pair with
- Varlaam Monastery and the sunset viewpoints.
- Time needed
- Two hours for both with the walking.
Good questions
Which days are Roussanou and St Nicholas closed?+
Roussanou is closed on Wednesdays and St Nicholas Anapausas on Fridays. Confirm before you go because hours can change for religious services and feasts.
Are the two monasteries close to each other?+
Yes, they are among the closest to the road and to Kastraki village, so they pair well on the same morning. You can reach them by car, taxi or tour.
What is special about Roussanou?+
It is run by nuns and sits on a slender rock reached by a short bridge. Its compact form and garden make it one of the most photographed monasteries.
Is there a dress code?+
Yes, women need a skirt below the knee and covered shoulders, and men need long trousers. Sleeveless tops are not allowed.
Are they open in November?+
Yes, both follow winter hours from 1 November, which are shorter than in summer. Roussanou in particular can close around 14:00 on weekdays.
