Meteora

On the Plain of Thessaly in mainland Greece, you’ll find an extraordinary group of vertical rock formations, standing up to 300 meters high, which have been weathered by erosion into a variety of bizarre forms. Perched on these rocks are the monasteries of Metéora, which take their name from their setting – ta metéora monastíria, the monasteries hanging in the air. Originally accessible only by ladders and winches, the monasteries have now been brought within the reach of visitors by the construction of modern roads but it should not be forgotten that these are places of prayer, and meditation, and visitors should conduct themselves accordingly.

 

  • Great Meteoron Monastery, the biggest and most visited monastery, in a glorious setting with fine views across the surrounding landscape, the Great Metéoron was founded by Athanasios the Meteorite in 1356 and enlarged in the second half of the 14th century by his disciple and successor Ioasaph, son of Serbian King Simeon. The tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph are in the frescoed church. Standing below the monastery, you can see traces of earlier ladders on the rock face, and at the top, the little tower-like building with a timber roof, which still houses the winch once used to haul up visitors in a net but now serving only to hoist up supplies.

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  • Monastery of Varlaám, perched atop a 373-meter cliff and reached from the other side by climbing 195 steps, Varlaam is the second biggest monastery, after the Great Metéoron. The monastery was founded in 1517, on the site of the old hermitage of the hermit Varlaam (from whom it takes its name). Inside, you can visit the serene 16th-century church complete with frescoes.

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  •  Monastery of Áyios Stéfanos, the most accessible of all the Meteora, is approached via a footbridge and there are no steps to climb. In an awesome setting with spectacular views over the valley, it stands close to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. The nuns who live there are welcoming and keep it in perfect order, with a beautiful chapel adorned with frescoes and ornate golden details.

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  • Kalambáka, the most convenient base for visiting the Metéora monasteries, thanks to its choice of sizeable hotels, guest houses, tavernas, and restaurants,  caters for groups of tourists and pilgrims and thrives primarily on tourism. It lies at the point where the River Piniós emerges from the Pindos mountains into the Plain of Thessaly. Kalambáka is 357 kilometers from Athens, to which it is connected by both train and bus.

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  •  Kastraki, more authentic than Kalambáka , the  village of Kastraki is built into a hillside below two massive rocky pinnacles and is an attraction in itself. Made up of mid-19th century cottages with terracotta tile roofs and wooden window shutters, Kastraki is a conservation village, so new building is restricted. You’ll find several houses with rooms to let, plus half a dozen traditional restaurants.
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