Overview:

The Meteora monasteries, located in the plains of Thessaly in central Greece, are some of the most impressive monuments in the country and among the most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world. Built atop huge natural sandstone outcrops hundreds of meters above the valley floor, they have been a symbol of Orthodoxy for centuries. The monasteries, which are said to be founded in the 11th century, are a collection of 24 monasteries connected by a network of trails throughout the upper plateau. A few are still inhabited by monks.The views that the monasteries offer are breathtaking and irreplaceable. The striking environment makes these monasteries a special attraction for tourists. The monasteries are very well preserved and are a testament to a bygone era. The Meteora monasteries are also closely connected to religious history and have been a pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians since its beginnings. It remains a must-see for anyone interested in Greek history, architecture, religion, and culture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

1. Location: Meteora is a complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries located atop huge natural sandstone pillars and hilltops in Thessaly, Greece. 2. Nature: Meteora is known for its spectacular natural beauty and structures, with some of the rocks reaching over an impressive 300 meters (= 1,000 feet) in height. 3. Age: Meteora is an ancient site, with the oldest monastery built in the 14th century. 4. Accessibility: Access to the monasteries is often gained with ladders or winches, although a few of the monasteries have been made accessible with stairs and bridges. 5. Scenery: The views from Meteora are breathtaking, with cliffs reaching high up into the sky and a unique mix of flora and fauna present. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Meteora Monasteries in Greece are a series of monasteries built upon sandstone rocks towering above the village of Kalabaka in Thessaly, Northwest of the town of Trikala. Dating back to the 11th century, Meteora served as a refuge for Byzantine monks who sought refuge from the Ottoman Empire. The hermit monks who first lived at Meteora adapted the tall rocks for living quarters, surrounded by wind-swept cliffs that lie beyond the valley of the River Pamisos. Over time, they built pathways and tunnels winding around the rocks, temple cells, and even monasteries. By the mid-14th century, the 24 large rocks and 36 smaller rocks of Meteora had become the site of 24 Greek-Orthodox monasteries, populated by hermit monks who lived in self-perpetual prayer and contemplation. In 1517, the Ottomans attempted to take over the monasteries in Western Thessaly but the monks fought them off. By 1686, an agreement had been reached with the Ottoman Turks, allowing the monks of Meteora to remain in the area free of disturbances from the local population. The monasteries became a center of learning for the study of Eastern Orthodoxy faith. Since then, the monasteries have survived earthquakes, wars, and floods, and are some of the largest and most active monasteries still operating in Greece today. The monasteries have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to their unique combination of natural beauty and ancient architecture. The area has become a popular destination for travelers, who can climb the ancient pathways and explore the ancient frescoes that adorn the monasteries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Meteora literally means ‘suspended in the air’ or ‘in the heavens above’ in Greek. 2. Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 3. The site comprises 1,000-year-old monasteries set upon giant sandstone rock pillars, which have been compared to tall trees of sandstone. 4. The Meteora monasteries were first built in the 9th century AD by Christian hermit monks, who sought to distance themselves from the world, with none of the monasteries having an easy means of access in theform of either steps or pathways cut into the rock. 5. The monasteries are renowned for their extraordinary frescos, which span the period from the 14th century to the late 18th-early 19th century, painted by some of the foremost painters from Crete, mainland Greece and the Heptanese. 6. A huge landmark in the local landscape, Meteora is a popular pilgrimage destination for Greeks and Orthodox Christians from around the world. 7. Nearing the end of the 19th century, visitors began flocking to Meteora as they explored the intriguing architecture of the monasteries. 8. The monasteries of Meteora were all abandoned for unknown reasons in the 1920s. 9. The monasteries were then occupied by monks once again from the late 1950s onwards, and are still occupied today, welcoming visitors interested in learning about the unique culture found in Meteora. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era