Summary
The Meteora monasteries of Greece will take your breath away. They are one of the most awe-inspiring sights we have ever seen and a visit to Meteora should be at the top of any Greek vacation. Located just four hours from Athens, the fascinating monoliths jutting out of the Meteora Valley is a must visit on any trip to Greece.
Carved by wind and rain over thousands of years, Meteora’s landscape is unique with massive stone spires reaching to the sky. Atop dozens of magnificent rock monoliths are ancient monasteries dating back to the 9th century.
Monasteries of Meteora Greece
The hermit monks that first settled Meteora couldn’t walk upstairs or over bridges to access the monasteries. They had to reach their secluded and safe retreat by scaling the walls with ropes and ladders. The monasteries of Meteora reach as high as 500 meters (1500 feet) above the ground. Today, visitors can take bridges and stairways to view the monasteries in Meteora, but that doesn’t make it less thrilling!
By the 14th century, the community of Meteora grew to 24 Greek Orthodox monasteries suspended in the sky. Today, six Meteora monasteries remain open for visitors to explore in this magical region, whose name translates to “suspended in the air.”
Monks would hoist themselves up the towering rocks using a basket on a rope, hand-cranking themselves to safety. This life was one of solitude and reflection.
Visit Meteora
Visit Meteora Greece invited us to witness the majesty of Meteora and its monasteries. Owner George is as passionate about Greece as he is about his home right here among the monoliths. It won’t be long until travelers flock to see the stone forest in the center of the country.
6 Meteora Monasteries to See
We recommend spending 4 days to truly experience Meteora. Many people only take a day trip to view the monasteries from Athens, but we suggest four days to truly take in the awe-inspiring views.
There are six remaining monasteries in Meteora and we explored them all. You can hike through these historical sites and visit the chapels high in the sky, all while enjoying the Greek hospitality of Meteora. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora stands heads above other sites in Greece.
Great Meteoron Monastery
The Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest among all of the monasteries in Meteora. There is no doubt you will visit this monastery when exploring the region. To get to it, you will hike up steep steps (thankfully you no longer need to be winched up by hand) to explore the peaceful and picturesque grounds.
Also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis, the Great Meteoron Monastery was built in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios, who founded the monasteries of Meteora. It is the oldest of all the monasteries.
Holy Trinity Monastery
The Holy Trinity Monastery is the most recognizable of the monasteries, as it is the most photographed of all the Meteora monasteries. Also known as Agia Triada, it stands high on a perch creating a dramatic scene.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity was built by the Monk Dometio in 1488. Visitors must walk up 140 steps cut into the rock, but it is worth it as you will see the church of Saint John the Baptist and be treated to paintings on the walls dating back to the 18th century.
Fun Fact – The Monastery of the Holy Trinity was featured in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Often overlooked by visitors to Meteora, we had the chance to encounter the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas on our walking tour. It is located just 1km from Kastraki village. Standing 80 meters high on a large rock, St. Nicholas monastery is surrounded by the ruined monasteries of Saint John Prodromos.
Frescoes dating back to the 16th century adorn its walls and are recognized as one of the important Byzantine paintings, being the oldest known signed work of Theophanes (the aristocratic monk chronicler).
Holy Monastery of Roussanou
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou is unique, as it currently serves as a nunnery. Established in 1988, there are about 15 sister nuns living within the monastery. The Monastery itself dates back to the 14th century, with the cathedral constructed sometime in the 16th century.
St. Stephen Monastery
The Monastery of St. Stephen is the most accessible of the monasteries, with all bus tours stopping here. It is the only monastery that is accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility issues.
This monastery is a good option for rainy days, as it houses two cathedrals: one dating back to the 16th century and the other to the 18th century. Both were damaged during World War II but still contain holy relics.
Each monastery contains holy relics, painted frescoes, and historic manuscripts. While photos are not allowed within the chapels, visitors can take photographs of the grounds and other rooms inside the monasteries. Time seems to stand still in Meteora, and the old kitchens appear unchanged for centuries, allowing one to imagine the monks’ life during the 14th and 16th centuries.
Varlaam Monastery
Fittingly located next to the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery is the second largest monastery in Meteora. Originally built in the 14th century, it was abandoned after the monk Varlaam died. It wasn’t until the 16th century that two priests rebuilt the monastery. Inside, visitors will find beautiful frescoes on the walls and ceilings.
About Meteora
Meteora’s surreal landscape houses some of the oldest known man-made structures on earth, with civilizations dating back 23,000 years. This ancient land has roots in the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.
Moreover, rare species of birds and flowers can be found in the area, resulting in the Greek Ministry of Environment designating it as a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone.
Hiking the Meteora Monasteries
Visitors have the option to hike with Visit Meteora and professional local guides who share interesting personal stories alongside in-depth information about Meteora’s history and culture. The hike offers unique views and perspectives of the monasteries, allowing for quiet moments in nature away from the tourist busses and crowds.
Some abandoned and ruined monasteries cannot be viewed from the road, offering different angles that cannot be captured from a tour bus.
Getting Around Meteora
A winding road connects the monasteries, but one of the most intriguing ways to tour the Meteora monasteries is to hike through the landscape. We recommend using a rental car or private guide for exploring Meteora and its surrounding villages.
It’s highly recommended to start your adventures at sunrise and sunset for stunning moments free from crowds. The tour buses from Athens have yet to arrive, giving you uninterrupted views of this ancient terrain all to yourself.
However, be cautious; many of the rocks and cliffs are high, so ensure you do not get too involved in the view that you risk falling off the ledge, as the drops can be vertical and deadly.
Meteora Information
We had a rental car from AvisGreece – www.avis.gr that we booked in Athens at the airport. Rentals are affordable, and to truly explore the country, it is highly recommended.
Consider staying at Divani Meteora Hotel – it is situated in the heart of the Meteora mountains, right at the base of the massive Meteora Rocks. Located in the town of Kalabaka, it is within walking distance to many restaurants and also features a pool, fine dining, and bars.
Meteora in Pop Culture
Two popular franchises have featured Meteora: Game of Thrones and James Bond. You’ll recognize it as Eyrie castle in the sky on Game of Thrones and in scenes from For Your Eyes Only.
Meteora is a magical destination that everyone should visit when traveling to Greece. Get there soon before the rest of the world discovers this one-of-a-kind destination. Standing atop these magnificent rocks, one can understand why the monks chose this place as their refuge. Meteora feels like a little slice of heaven.
We have witnessed similar landscapes in Yangshuo, China, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, and even Krabi Thailand, but monasteries perched above stone pillars reaching to the sky takes it to another level. There is a reason Meteora and its monasteries are growing in popularity; they are indeed awe-inspiring.
Have you been to Meteora?
