Meteora, a city perched atop the sandstone cliffs of Thessaly, is perhaps one of the most stunning places I will ever lay eyes on. The captivating landscapes are thought to be sculpted by the very hand of God, with the help of wind and water over 60 million years. The ancient rock formations, topped with a collection of Greek Orthodox Monasteries reach for the heavens above.In the 9th century, a slew of monks came together in the region but continued living in solitude, only congregating on Sundays for worship. For many centuries, they lived in tiny hermitages built into caves. At the time, there were no roads, pathways, or even steps, so they would descend from their cells via nets or rope ladders. Construction of the monasteries began in the 11th century when the brave monks hauled up everything from people to building supplies using baskets and pulley systems. When you look at how sheer these rock faces are, you’ll realize what an amazing feat this was. Steps didn’t come around until the 1920’s!The magic of Meteora is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The pictures simply don’t do the beauty justice, but I will try my best to spark your wanderlust!Meteora means “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above”– exactly like the monastaries look to be floating in the sky.
Only six of the 24 original monasteries remain, with just four operating. You are able to visit the active communities.
Active Monasteries of Meteora
Great Meteoron Monastery /Μεγάλο Μετέωρο/ If you are short on time, as the oldest and largest, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro should be first on your list. Inside you find the church of Transfiguration of Jesus, wine cellars, an ancient kitchen and the sacristy where the bones of old residents of the monastery are stacked on selves. The main cathedral in the central courtyard is embellished with beautiful 16th century frescoes. In 2015 there were only 3 monks in residence.
Varlaam Monastery /Μονή Βαρλαάμ/ The second largest of the monasteries, and most populous with seven monks. Inside you find a church dedicated to All Saints and old refectory used as a museum. An impressive oak water barrel that once held 12 tons of rainwater and the tower of the old preserved net, used by the first monks for their ascent and descent from the rock, until it was “God’s will to have it replaced”!
Holy Trinity Monastery / Μονή Αγίας Τριάδος/ Made famous from the James Bond film “For your eyes only” Arguably the most difficult monastery to access, but worth the trek. There were four monks in residence in 2015.
Roussanou Monastery / Μονή „Ρουσάνου“/ Today, a flourishing nunnery with 13 nuns in residence in 2015.
St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery /„του Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά“/ Because there was limited rock surface to work with in the 14th century, this monastery was built vertically with a series of floors each stacked on top of the other. Today only one monk occupies the monastery.
St. Stephen’s Monastery /Αγίου Στεφάνου/ Founded in 1400 AD, this monasary rests on a plain rather than on a cliff and is the only monastery visible from Kalampaka. During WWII, its was bombed by the Nazis believing that rebels were hiding there. Today, it is inhabited by 28 nuns and easily accessible via bridge.
The monks follow strict regulations and gather at the church 4 times a day, Orthodox liturgy lasts about 6 hours a day. Visitor tip: To respect the holiness, knees and shoulders must be covered. Did you know? The Eyrie of Vale of the House of Arryn from Game of Thrones is based on Meteora. with the original bread oven and soup hearth. Visitor tip: The entrance fee for all monasteries is 3 Euro per person. Visitor tip: If you have extra time, be sure to visit the neighboring towns of Kalampaka, which means ‘prestigious castle’ and Kastraki, or ‘small castle’ Getting here: There are a number of one day to multiple day excursions available from Athens and other major cities in Greece that include the monasteries of Meteora. If you feel you to explore on your own time instead, you can take a public bus, train, or rent a car.
Serene, spiritual, surreal. Call this Greek holy site what you will, it is nothing short of magical. Get out there and see for yourself!