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St. Nicholas Anapausas is the smallest of the Meteora monasteries, tucked onto a narrow rock where expansion was nearly impossible. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in artistry: its walls are covered with striking 16th-century frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan, one of the era’s most important painters. Despite its compact scale, the monastery served as a resting stop for pilgrims climbing higher into Meteora.

How to access

Entry to St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery is included in all Meteora day tours, depending on its rotation of open days. Follow through a short but steep stairway to reach its frescoed interiors, where Theophanes’ artistry rewards your effort.

Why Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is a must-see in Meteora

Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas perched on Meteora rock formations, Greece.
Interior of The Monastery of Great Meteoron with ornate religious icons and wooden carvings.
Meteora monastery perched on a cliff at sunset during Athens to Meteora full-day trip.
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Smallest of the six

Built on a particularly narrow rock, the monastery had no room to expand horizontally, so it was constructed vertically with levels stacked one above the other. This unusual compact design makes it feel distinct from every other Meteora monastery.

Masterpieces by Theophanes

The celebrated painter Theophanes the Cretan covered the walls with frescoes in 1527, considered some of the finest of his career. For art lovers, it’s a rare opportunity to see a master’s work in its original monastic context.

Gateway location

St. Nicholas Anapausas sits at the very entrance to Meteora, making it the first stop pilgrims once encountered. Its role as a spiritual gateway gave it weight far beyond its small size, a place to pause, reflect, and prepare before climbing higher into the monastic world.

Inside the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

Monastery of Varlaam interior with frescoes and ornate chandeliers, Greece.

The Katholikon

At the heart of the monastery stands the main church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, with frescoes painted in 1527 by Theophanes the Cretan. These vibrant works depict the life of Christ, portraits of saints, and even a rare scene of Adam naming the animals, an unusual and whimsical touch in Byzantine art.

A tour guide giving information to tourist during Meteora Monasteries Full-Day Guided Tour

The refectory

The old refectory, where monks once shared their humble meals, has been repurposed as a reception room for visitors. It’s simple yet atmospheric, with stone walls, arched windows, and wooden furniture that give a sense of the monastic lifestyle.

Great Meteoron Holy Monastery interior with ancient frescoes and religious artifacts, Greece.

The Chapel of St. Anthony

Beneath the katholikon lies a small chapel dedicated to St. Anthony and a crypt once used to house relics, possibly also serving as a retreat for prayer. The walls here are adorned with vivid depictions of the Passion, Resurrection, and Last Judgment, masterpieces of post-Byzantine art.

Guests hiking on a trail with Meteora rock formations in the background during a Meteora Hiking Tour with Monastery Visit.

Open terrace

At the top, the monastery terrace rewards you with breathtaking views of Meteora’s dramatic rock pillars, dotted with monasteries in the distance. It’s the perfect place to pause, take photos, and soak in the blend of natural beauty and history.

Know before you go

Opening hours & duration of visit

  • St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery is closed on Fridays, so be sure to adjust your itinerary if you’d like to include it. It usually opens daily from 9am to 3pm, with shorter hours in the winter months (November to January).
  • Because of its compact size, you can explore St. Nicholas in about 30 minutes, though many visitors spend longer admiring the frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan. The atmosphere here is intimate and quiet, a contrast to the larger, busier monasteries.

Entry & access

  • You’ll need to make a €3 to €5 cash offering at the entrance, the same as for the other Meteora monasteries.
  • You reach the monastery by climbing a short but steep stairway, a reminder of its perch on a narrow rock. The climb isn’t long, but it can feel strenuous in the summer heat, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Inside, the vertical layout sets it apart from other monasteries, with rooms and chapels stacked one above the other.

Rules

  • Photography is allowed in outdoor areas, where you’ll find great angles over the valley and towards Rousanou Monastery on its narrow pillar. Inside, photography is not permitted**, especially of the 16th-century frescoes.
  • Please respect the dress code: men must wear long trousers and women long skirts with covered shoulders. If you arrive without, wrap skirts and shawls are provided at the entrance.

Nearby towns & trails

  • St. Nicholas Anapausas is often the first stop on a Meteora circuit, making it easy to pair with **Rousanou or Varlaam later in the same visit.
  • The village of Kastraki sits just below, offering plenty of traditional tavernas for a meal or refreshment afterward.
  • Walking paths connect St. Nicholas to nearby monasteries, and its location near the entrance to Meteora makes it a convenient start or finish to your day.

Frequently asked questions about Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

Is access to the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas included in Meteora tours?

Yes, entry to the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is included in all Meteora day tours, though access depends on its opening hours and religious services that may occasionally limit entry.

How long does a typical visit to the monastery last?

A Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes here, as the monastery is smaller than others in Meteora but still offers rich frescoes and sweeping views.

What is the best time to visit the monastery?

The monastery is quietest in the early morning (before 11am)** or late afternoon** (post 2pm), when you can enjoy the art and atmosphere without the larger tour groups.

Are there guided tours available for the monastery?

Yes. You can join guided tours from Athens or Thessaloniki day trips to learn about the monastery’s history and its remarkable frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan.

Is there a dress code for visiting the monastery?

Yes. You must wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; wrap skirts and shawls are often available at the entrance if needed.

Can I take photos inside St. Nicholas Anapausas?

Photography is allowed in outdoor areas, but you cannot click pictures inside the monastery or chapels. As in all Meteora monasteries, photographing clergy is not permitted.

Is the monastery accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

Not easily. Reaching the monastery requires climbing several steep steps and navigating narrow paths, which can be difficult for visitors with mobility challenges.

Are there other attractions nearby to visit?

Yes. St. Nicholas Anapausas is often combined with visits to the nearby monasteries of Rousanou,**** Varlaam, and Great Meteoron, and the scenic trails that connect them offer stunning viewpoints over the valley.

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