Meteora
Few kilometers northwest of Kalambaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly, one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece.
Meteora is a great place to experience a spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora.
In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers.
The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that the visitor encounters on his/her way from Kastraki to the Holy Meteora. It is built vertically on floors due to the limited surface of the rock and it is decorated with recently restored murals.
The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro (Transfiguration of Jesus) is built at a height of 615m and is the biggest and oldest one of all, dating back to the 14th century. The visitor must take time to look at the museum where high value historical codices and religious icons are displayed, take a look inside the monks’ Living Quarters and take a glance at the monastery’s old kitchen.
This is a nuns’ monastery and the most accessible as instead of steps you reach the entrance through a small bridge. St. Stephen’s Monastery was built by Saint Charalambos and the main cathedral includes his holy relics. Worth visiting this monastery for the spectacular view towards the vast valley of Thessaly, the river Pinios and the Pindos mountain range.
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest one and its main cathedral dates to the 16th century. In the old times the monks were using nets for their ascent and descent from the rock, which later were replaced by steps allowing guests to visit the monastery and admire the excellence of religious painted and precious holy vestments of the priests.
It is a nuns’ Monastery buildon a rock of a lower elevation compared to other rocks, which makes it more accessible to the visitor, who can enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding rocks and adjacent monasteries. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent in 1988.
The monks of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity welcome their tired visitors with water and Turkish delight as guests have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock, before they start walking up about 140 steps. Is the most difficult to reach, but is worth visiting for its the panoramic view of the surroundings and its peculiar architecture. Part of the Monastery was used as the setting for scenes of the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”.
Apart from the spectacular Holy Monasteries, Meteora is also a great destination for outdoor activities. The steep rock formations of Meteora are an irresistible destination for rock climbers who travel from around the world for the experience. Visitors can also combine their visit to the monasteries with hiking. Following old trails under green trees it is possible to visit all the monasteries in one day. The nearby Penios and Acheloos rivers offer great opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
- Stunning scenery of landscapes and Byzantine monasteries perched on top of impressive gigantic steep rocks.
- An awe inspiring spiritual place for humans in recent history.
- An exceptional and challenging destination for rock climbers.
- Great opportunities for hiking, river rafting and kayaking.
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