Roussanou Monastery
Roussanou Monastery
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Founded in 1545, this monastery is the most inaccessible of its kind.
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4.5
560 reviews
Excellent
321
Very good
163
Average
56
Poor
12
Terrible
8
huangsaus
Phoenix, AZ20 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We visited this place just today. I want to share my experience as I feel this place should catch up with the trend of female equality, but it hasn’t.
I just want to describe the facts, comparing with the Great Meteoron Monastery, and let me know if I am overthinking.
I wear a pair of long pants today in the hot weather, as I know some restrictions of the rules, and I had thought this is to the respect to the monasteries.
Great Meteoron Monastery: I was let in without any problem. The other females who wear short skirts were given a long skirt for free and they were also let in.
Rousanou Nunnery: the lady at the gate was super rude, she stopped me and told me to spend 2 euro to buy very cheap very ugly skirt. “Because women has to wear skirts to get in. That’s the rule”. This is year of 2021, why women still can’t wear long pants, while she lets the other males in with shorts?? Why she is harsh to females, puts restrictions to females, but let males to do whatever they want? And why can’t this nunnery just helps the females like the other monastery does? I just can’t believe what I had experienced today.
These nuns can choose to live in an old life style, but they can choose to catch up the trend, don’t put too many restrictions on other females, and be friendly to other females. Then we , as sisters, can support them in a better way, rather that just buy those cheap skirts using 2 euro.
I just want to describe the facts, comparing with the Great Meteoron Monastery, and let me know if I am overthinking.
I wear a pair of long pants today in the hot weather, as I know some restrictions of the rules, and I had thought this is to the respect to the monasteries.
Great Meteoron Monastery: I was let in without any problem. The other females who wear short skirts were given a long skirt for free and they were also let in.
Rousanou Nunnery: the lady at the gate was super rude, she stopped me and told me to spend 2 euro to buy very cheap very ugly skirt. “Because women has to wear skirts to get in. That’s the rule”. This is year of 2021, why women still can’t wear long pants, while she lets the other males in with shorts?? Why she is harsh to females, puts restrictions to females, but let males to do whatever they want? And why can’t this nunnery just helps the females like the other monastery does? I just can’t believe what I had experienced today.
These nuns can choose to live in an old life style, but they can choose to catch up the trend, don’t put too many restrictions on other females, and be friendly to other females. Then we , as sisters, can support them in a better way, rather that just buy those cheap skirts using 2 euro.
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,890 contributions
Jun 2022
A short 150 steps up to the entrance booth where they were more rigorous than most in checking the dress code. Views from the building itself were not as good as you can get from the various view points around the valley. Only a few small rooms open to the public, the domed room colourfully decorated in every surface was particularly impressive. No photography allowed inside, nice garden area not accessible though.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chaitanya
Cambridge, Canada1,414 contributions
Sept 2022
Roussanou Monastery is actually a nunnery. It had one of the cutest patios and provided great seating views.
There were two spots to park and take the steps either going up or going down.
If you take the steps up - it takes you to one of the best observation decks in meteora that provides you beautiful sunset views with 3 monasteries in front of the sun when setting.
The nunnery is pretty decent w/ ok frescoes. We visited for 20-30mins and it had great views of the other meteora.
Entry fee was 3pp.
There were two spots to park and take the steps either going up or going down.
If you take the steps up - it takes you to one of the best observation decks in meteora that provides you beautiful sunset views with 3 monasteries in front of the sun when setting.
The nunnery is pretty decent w/ ok frescoes. We visited for 20-30mins and it had great views of the other meteora.
Entry fee was 3pp.
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tas G
Athens, Greece1,425 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
From the 3 monasteries we visited this one was the most traditional and interesting one. It is not crowded and not touristic. You need to take steps down from the main road inside an amazing forest to reach the final steps up to the monastery. The staff is very kind and helpfull. The interior is very beautiful and very clean. The shop had the most amazing and beaautiful souvenirs of the area and we regret it that we didnt take more things from there is in the city of Kalampaka you do not find so beautiful souvenirs.
Is one of the highest recommended monasteries to visit.
The only negative which is found in all monasteries is the public bathroom which to tell the truth is broken and disgusting. No hygiene at all. Its a shame for a place like this, for a monastery that earns so much money for a religious place to have a bathroom worse than a third division football stadium.
Is one of the highest recommended monasteries to visit.
The only negative which is found in all monasteries is the public bathroom which to tell the truth is broken and disgusting. No hygiene at all. Its a shame for a place like this, for a monastery that earns so much money for a religious place to have a bathroom worse than a third division football stadium.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2016Annette13
Baden, Switzerland271 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
What a view, what a building, and thinking that the nuns still live and work there!
It's easily accessible, but do go in the morning, when hopefully there aren't as many busses. There are some stairs to climb, but in the shade of trees and wide, so no fear of height. That changes a little when entering - you have to cross two bridges. I'm afraid of heights, here's what I do: I wait until the person in front of me has crossed and then walk veeeery quickly to the "safe" side. It works, it's not far, and it's safe.
Inside is small, not much you can look at, but it's impressive nonetheless.
PLease respect:
No pictures inside. Women wear a long skirt, and everyone cover their shoulders and knees.
It's easily accessible, but do go in the morning, when hopefully there aren't as many busses. There are some stairs to climb, but in the shade of trees and wide, so no fear of height. That changes a little when entering - you have to cross two bridges. I'm afraid of heights, here's what I do: I wait until the person in front of me has crossed and then walk veeeery quickly to the "safe" side. It works, it's not far, and it's safe.
Inside is small, not much you can look at, but it's impressive nonetheless.
PLease respect:
No pictures inside. Women wear a long skirt, and everyone cover their shoulders and knees.
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In-Yong H
London, UK658 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Of the 4 monateries which visited, this had the most intimate feel. The views are incredible, as you can see 3 other monasteries in one direction. The chapel is also lovely, especially the circular stained glass windows. They also have a little shop, which I also think is also the loveliest of the monasteries!
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aida G
Glasgow, UK814 contributions
Aug 2022
What a lovely monastery! It's small but lovely, and the view from the top is breathtaking! There are a lot of stairs to climb, but a few stops are fine. Parking: there were a few spots available for parking. We went during rush hour and still managed to find a spot. Women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders, men must wear long pants. The entry fee is 3 euros.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minnes0taGal
Portland, OR68 contributions
Jul 2022
Great Meteoron and Varlaam were much better than this one. There was very little to see here. Took about 5 minutes to explore. I'd recommend just going up close on the outside to get some pictures but not paying to go inside.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tsarmuh
Athens43 contributions
Jun 2011 • Family
This monastery is run by nuns and it is very nice. The nuns are very friendly and most of them speak English. Do not leave the monastery without buyins a souvenir or something else - a nice silver ring with engraving
Written 7 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1TraveltheWorld
Alice Springs, Australia12,211 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
The gigantic rocks of Meteora are perched above the town of Kalambaka.
There are only 6 of the original 24 monasteries that remain perched high above the nearby town.
Built by monks who were previously living in individual caves as hermits. You can still spot some of the caves even today as you venture between the monasteries.
The nunnery of Roussanou was first on our visit with our tour group.
It is a fairly easy ascent up the stone steps to the top.
It was built during the 16th century and became a convent in 1988. No photos are allowed inside the premises.
As within the whole area though, spectacular views and photographic opportunities abound, not of just parts of Kalambaka, but most of the other monasteries perched high above on the surrounding cliff tops.
As per all the monasteries, they request a moderate dress code before entering.
The monastery is usually open from 9AM to 5.45PM although they do change the closing times. It is also closed on Wednesdays.
There are only 6 of the original 24 monasteries that remain perched high above the nearby town.
Built by monks who were previously living in individual caves as hermits. You can still spot some of the caves even today as you venture between the monasteries.
The nunnery of Roussanou was first on our visit with our tour group.
It is a fairly easy ascent up the stone steps to the top.
It was built during the 16th century and became a convent in 1988. No photos are allowed inside the premises.
As within the whole area though, spectacular views and photographic opportunities abound, not of just parts of Kalambaka, but most of the other monasteries perched high above on the surrounding cliff tops.
As per all the monasteries, they request a moderate dress code before entering.
The monastery is usually open from 9AM to 5.45PM although they do change the closing times. It is also closed on Wednesdays.
Written 20 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How challenging i the walk from th bus stop to th monastery
Written 17 August 2024
How do you reach the monastery? I am not great at climbing steps. Can you tell me how difficult this is?
Written 8 August 2019
Sorry for the late answer. This is the easiest one to get to. We took a car to the top and you actually walk downward towards this one.
Written 18 September 2019
como es el nombre del monasterio de meteora atendido por monjas ¿ hay 2 monasterios atendidos por monjas?
Written 8 July 2018
Is it possible to stay at the Rousanou Nunnery? According to the Monastyria website there is a guesthouse there, but none of the Tripadvisor reviews mention staying overnight. My wife and I would be interested to stay there, as a Christian retreat, for a few days. We assume this would mean sleeping in separate quarters.
In peace, Martin Williams
Written 20 May 2016
Desconheço a existência desta pousada. Visitei os seis mosteiros da região e em nenhum deles percebi a presença de hóspedes. Hospedagens apenas em Kastraki ou em Kalambaka.
Mesmo assim a visita é imperdível.
Vanderlei F Oliveira
Written 5 August 2016
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