To many, a trip to Greece is all about the ancient city of Athens and countless beautiful islands in the Aegean Sea. But if you shift your gaze to central Greece, you’ll find one of the country’s most spellbinding destinations, Meteora. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site meaning “suspended in the air.” Hidden among the mountains of Thessaly in northwestern Greece, it is both naturally and historically fascinating. The rock formations in the region of Thessaly are unique to the whole world. The imposing pillars formed from a composition of sandstone and conglomerates soar high above sea level. It is one of the best nature sites in Greece.
Somewhere between the 9th and 10th centuries, the Orthodox Hermit Monks, with impressive climbing skills, settled into the Meteora rock caves and hollows, taking on a life of great isolation and quiet. The caves, located on the cliffs, provided a perfect place for their lives of solitude and worship. They prayed and fasted according to the rules of the Orthodox Church throughout the year. They cared for the salvation of their souls, but at the same time they cared about others, trying to help them in many ways. You can still see some of these caves in use today for similar purposes. They are constructed from mighty cliffs with multiple astonishing monasteries at the rocks’ peaks.
Originally there were 24 monasteries; today only six remain active for people to visit, while others are popular for sightseeing externally by hikers and photographers. The Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and oldest monastery, the first to be founded. The Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery and considered one of the nicest. The Monastery of Roussanou is dedicated to St. Barbara, a woman who dedicated her life to Christianity. This nunnery has 15 nuns in residence. The Monastery of St. Stephen is one of the easiest to access and has beautiful frescos and two chapels. The Monastery of St. Nikolaos is quite small and is the first you see when ascending the mountain. From the Monastery of Holy Trinity, you can walk the ancient trail left by the monks while descending into the town of Kalabaka.
Greece is known for its rich cultural traditions and customs, and Meteora is no exception. You come to Meteora to see the monasteries and how they fit into this remarkable landscape. Often described as stunning works of architecture set in a landscape as unique as it is breathtaking, the six monasteries of Meteora are visited annually by adventure-seeking tourists. And if possible, catch a stunning sunset while visiting.
There is a three Euro charge per person to enter each monastery. Women are required to wear a long skirt and cover their shoulders; men are not allowed to wear shorts.
Positioned in the middle of Greece, away from many of the country’s other major destinations, Meteora requires some planning to visit. From Athens, you can take a regional train to Kakabaka, which sits at the foot of the beautiful Meteora rocks. A direct train leaves Athens once a day and takes less than five hours. It is best to plan an overnight tour to experience the site.
Guided day tours are available from Athens if you are visiting the city or will be traveling in Northern Greece, a good option to learn the history of the monasteries as you weave around these majestic rock formations. Another option is to rent a car and drive to Meteora. This is the quickest option, and also allows you to shape your itinerary.
Call your local professional travel consultant to plan a trip of a lifetime.
