In the 15th century A.D. Antonios Katakouzinos, son of the Despot of Epirus, founded the Monastery of Agios Stefanos. The refectory in the latter has been converted into a museum where ecclesiastical treasures are kept. There are some very good frescoes by Theophanes Kritikos in the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas. Apart from portable ikons, miniatures, ecclesiastical robes, utensils and crosses, all of them excellent examples of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, the Meteora Monasteries also contain rare editions and manuscripts. There's an excellent site on Meteora here .
Entrance is denied to women.
Overnight stays are denied to visitors except to those with proven scientific or religious interests only if they are more than 21 years old. All vessels coasting round the shores of Mount Athos are required not to approach closer than 500 meters, if they have women on board. Filming and use of tape-recorders are forbidden. Photographs with an ordinary camera but without use of a tripod or flash-bulb may be taken. A decent appearance is an essential prerequisite.