The oldest and largest of the six active Meteora monasteries, the Great Meteoron — also called the Monastery of the Transfiguration — was founded in the 14th century by the monk Athanasios Koinovitis. It sits atop the highest rock in the complex, at 613 metres above sea level, and its dominant position makes it visible from almost anywhere in the valley below.
Inside, the main church contains some of the finest frescoes in Meteora, including vivid scenes of martyrdom that date from the 16th century. The treasury museum holds illuminated manuscripts, embroidered vestments, and carved wooden crosses. The monastery also maintains an ossuary — a common practice in Orthodox communities — where the skulls of former monks are neatly arranged. Allow at least an hour here to do it justice.