However, in this case the Roussanou does not particularly have the kind of museum environment that is so common in most of Meteora. This fact makes it ideal for those who enjoy lively places instead of the cold that antiquity sometimes transmits.
On the other hand, the relics found inside obviously have the same worth as the rest of the Meteora monasteries with their museum-like vibes.
The Roussanou opens from 9am to 1pm and from 3.30pm to 6pm. the whole week, except from Wednesdays, when it is closed. Then, in case of following the southern route, the popular monastery of Agia Trias can be reached.
Passing this, at the end of the road it is found the monastery of Agios Stephanos, which apart from being a nunnery works also as an official museum.The ancient sources indicate that in 1333 this monastery was visited by Emperor Andronicus the III Paleologus. |
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it comes to museums.
First of all, its magnificent church is Greek cross-shaped and has lots of quality frescoes belonging to the post Byzantine Mural art period. For example, the ones on its dome depict Christ, the apostles and the prophets, while the walls of the nave illustrate liturgical feasts. Also the narthex has very impressive images about some Biblical scenes referring to the future – e.g., the Last Judgement, and the Punishment of the Damned.
The importance of these works are explained by the origins of this monastery, since after it was founded, the Serbian Emperor Symeon Uros became a monk, and gave it a great part of his richness to the Meteoron making it the most wealthy.
Although these can be appreciated as a museum themselves, outside this church, on the refectory it is found the actual one, with important icons and ancient manuscripts. The Meteoron opens from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm, and it closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. |
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obviously contributes to make it look like an actual one.
The Varlaam monastery can be visited from 9am to 1pm or from 3.30pm to 6pm the whole week, just like the Roussanou, although
it closes on Fridays.
These are the main monasteries among the 24 that composes Meteora, which attributes of interest are most related to museums, or which actually function as them or have them added in some other cases.
Knowing all these facts, apart
from their schedules allows
visitors to decide when are where to go, without loosing any time
and efforts.
No matter it is about the picturesque Roussanou, the elaborated Agios Stephanos,
the great Meteoron, or the worthy Varlaam, one can get in touch
with the history, cultural facts and great works of Meteora, and so appreciate even more this enchanted place. |
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