Meteora means ‘suspended in air’ and once you set your eyes on this magical place, you would agree that the name aptly describes this unbelievable spectacle. We are often surprised by the architectural marvels left behind by our ancestors and one such example is Meteora.
Set on the edge of the Plain of Thessaly, near the village of Kalambaka are century old monasteries perched dramatically on top of mighty sandstone monoliths. (Yes. That’s right.)
Monasteries belonging to the Eastern Orthodox order, were built atop these pillars touching the heavens, from the 11th century onwards. (The exact date of each of the establishments is unclear.) This location was ideal for the monks who wanted solitude and detachment from the noisy world. There were originally more than 20 monasteries out of which 6 have passed the test of time and stand strong till date. In fact, there are monks and nuns living here, in the present day. These religious sanctuaries house important and priceless paintings, heirlooms and artifacts, some of which you can see during your visit.
At first sight, you would think that these monasteries literally dropped down from heaven as it seems like there is no way to reach the peak. In ancient times, a system of pulleys was used by the monks to obtain provisions. Today, access is much easier with well defined hiking trails and roads. In addition to this, rock climbing is also available in certain spots.
You can put up in the nearby villages of Kalambaka or Kastraki which have several accomodation options for tourists.
An important note before visiting the monasteries is their strict dress code – long skirts or pants and no sleeveless tops. Also be respectful to all the monks and nuns and do not refuse anything they give you.
This is the most important one as among the six, it is the oldest, highest and largest. It was founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite.
The most interesting part of this monastery is the sacristy – it displays the skulls of all the monks who have resided here over the years. In addition to this, there are several chapels and even a small museum.
Named in honour of the first monk who took shelter in these mountains, Varlaam, this monastery was built gradually over the years, with towers and chapels being added. It houses beautiful frescoes that date back to the 16th century.
Accessed via a narrow wooden bridge, the building of this monastery complex is spread all over the rock it occupies, making it seem like a single structure. Constructed in the 16th century in honor of St. Barbara, the monastery was plundered during the time of WWII and several important manuscripts and relics were stolen. After this, it turned into a nunnery and now more than 15 nuns reside here.
It was founded in the 14th century and renovated in the 16th century. Those who love a good challenge will love the steep climb that takes you to this beautiful frescoe-filled monastery. It also houses a small chapel for St. Antony and a bigger church for St. John the Baptist.
This is a popular one among visitors since it was featured in the popular James Bond movie, ‘For your eyes only’. It is the most remote one and also holds beautiful frescoes and important manuscripts. From the top, you can feast your eyes with the sweeping views of Kalambaka.
This is the most accessible one as cars can take you straight up to the monastery parking lot and you don’t have to do any hard climbing. Sadly, the monastery suffered damage during the time of WWII and seems faded in comparison to its other neighbors. In 1961, it was turned into a nunnery. However, it has a few beautiful chapels with great frescoes and its latest paintings are by Vlasios Tsotsonis, an acclaimed painter of this era.
Apart from monasteries there are several viewpoints that you can climb or drive up to for breathtaking views.
First of all, Metero’s location is unbelievable – everything from the monasteries that seem to be hanging from the sky, their splendid architecture and history spanning a millenia, screams for attention. Visitors here have often remarked that this is the most ‘outworldly’ place they have seen. Why don’t you take a trip and see what you have to say!
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