Churches to Visit in Greece
Greece is the heartland of Orthodox Christianity, with Byzantine churches in every town and monasteries on mountains and islands. This chapter begins with the two great monastic worlds: Mount Athos, the monastic republic in the north, where only men may go, and the monasteries of Meteora, built on the tops of rock pillars in Thessaly and open to everyone, and, on Santorini, the little blue-domed church known as the Three Bells of Fira.
Greek churches are working places of worship, and the monasteries welcome visitors on their own terms: modest dress, quiet, and respect for the services. Mount Athos goes further, with a permit system and a ban on women that goes back about a thousand years.
Where to start
Mount Athos
Twenty monasteries on the Holy Mountain. Men only, with a permit; cruises from Ouranoupoli for everyone.
Meteora
Six monasteries on rock pillars, each with its own closed day and a €5 cash fee. Come early to beat the coaches.
Three Bells of Fira
Santorini’s famous blue dome and bell gable on the caldera rim. Free, from the path above; come early.
Practical notes
| Opening hours | Monasteries keep their own hours around the services, often closing at midday and at sunset |
|---|---|
| Admission | Churches are usually free. The Meteora monasteries charge a few euros each; Mount Athos needs a permit, for men only |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered; long trousers for men at the monasteries, skirts for women at many convents |
| Getting around | Mount Athos is reached by bus from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupoli, then by boat; Meteora by coach to Kalambaka, via Trikala |
Coming next
Hosios Loukas, the Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki and the monasteries of the islands are the obvious next additions, built the same way as the rest of this guide: one place finished properly at a time.