Roussanou

Roussanou Monastery, commonly known as St. Barbara’s Monastery, is a historic Eastern Orthodox convent located in Meteora, central Greece. It stands on a tall sandstone pillar overlooking Kalambaka and the Thessaly plain, forming part of the Meteora rock formations that were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery’s origins are believed to lie in the 16th century, founded by women who initially lived as hermits on the rock and later established a formal convent. The church at the heart of the complex is dedicated to Saint Barbara, and the buildings include living quarters and other monastic facilities.

The architecture reflects the style of Meteora monasteries, with a compact katholikon (main church) and linked stone structures built on the rock. Inside, the interior decoration features religious frescoes and icons dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, representative of the Byzantine-influenced Meteora artistic tradition. Over the centuries the monastery underwent repairs and renovations, as is common with historic monastic sites subjected to natural and social wear.

Today Roussanou Monastery remains an active convent with a small community of nuns. It is accessible to visitors by a stairway from the surrounding plateau and is generally open during daytime hours. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect the monastic routine, as religious services may take place. As with other Meteora monasteries, Roussanou contributes to the region’s cultural and architectural significance, attracting researchers and travelers interested in Byzantine art, Orthodox monasticism, and rock-cut architecture.