The Meteora are rock formations shaped as a result of the erosion of wind and rain over time. These effects created separate pillars of various height and width. Caves eroded in the sides of the pillars. Centuries ago, monks seeking quiet solitude for their devotions created small places of prayer by making cells inside these caves. Consequently, the area came to be known as a holy place. Amazingly, around the 14th Century, many Meteora monasteries started to be built at the very top of the rock pillars. During that time access could only be gained with removable ladders and winch systems used to haul up baskets and nets. This was used for both goods and people!! As a result, entering and exiting their home must have been a terrifying experience.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Meteora was recognised for outstanding value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Today, six of these monasteries remain in central Meteora. They house organised monastic
Stairs carved into the rocks in the
The monasteries appear to cling to the tops of the rock pillars. Visually fascinating, and you wonder how the monks ever managed to create these beautiful sanctuaries. As you enter each monastery you gain a glimpse into the lives of the nuns and monks who maintain these works of devotion. Inside the monasteries, you will find small museums and chapels open for visiting, with beautiful frescoes and illuminated manuscripts. Sacred vessels and antique printed books are lovingly preserved. Gorgeous gardens with magnificent views out over the valley below wait peacefully for visitors. Daunting entrance platforms with winch areas showcase the perilous method of ascent and decent that was previously used by both occupants and visitors.
Where to stay when visiting the Meteora Monasteries
We stayed in the village of Kalambaka, in the beautiful Doupiani House, and our rooms overlooked the amazing rock formations of the Meteora. The Meteora Monasteries are relatively close together so it is possible to visit a few on the same day, depending on how well you go at climbing up and down stairs! The Monastery of St Stephen allowed easy access via a bridge across to the entrance. However, entry to the other monasteries involves a serious amount of stair climbing. That being said, they are also truly wonderful and well worth the hard work.
Varlaam Monastery
One of the rooms has a barrel store that contains a massive oak barrel with a capacity for 13,000 litres! There is also a beautiful stone courtyard with a rotunda on the edge of the terrace, which overlooks the valley below. I think this monastery was the prettiest of the four we visited.
The Monastery of Great Meteoron
The highest and the largest of the remaining monasteries – its construction was a truly remarkable achievement.
As you walk up the (many) stairs to the entry, you have a fabulous photo opportunity for a birds-eye view overlooking the Varlaam Monastery. Inside the Great Meteoron, there is an old kitchen with its original artefacts on display. Meanwhile, you will find the bones and skulls of former monks neatly stacked on shelves in another small room. I couldn’t help but wonder about those people and their lives because their living conditions must have been harsh.
St Stephen’s Monastery
This monastery has a beautiful garden and courtyard which overlooks the valley far below. There is a quaint little museum of precious artefacts on display as well as souvenirs available for purchase.
Holy Trinity Monastery
Simple, beautiful, and serene. The entrance platform room hangs out over the side of the rock pillar, complete with the winch, hook and net entry system.
14th Century monks must have been very brave people.
Such an incredible concept. I could only just manage to hold my camera out over the edge to take a shot of the drop without feeling squeamish! (I don’t do heights…). Inside the stone walls and timber handrails and doors provide a peaceful setting for the devotions of the monks. Are you a movie buff? If so, you will be interested to know that this monastery was featured in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”
Meteora Monasteries dress code
Out of respect for the nuns and monks you must follow a dress code.
Long pants for men, long skirts for women – there are sarongs available for use while in the monasteries if required.
Meteora Monasteries opening hours
Check here for the opening hours before you visit.
Contact:
| Holy Monastery of: | Telephone | |
| Great Meteoro | +3024320 22278 | immmeteoro@yahoo.gr |
| Varlaam | +3024320 22277 | imvarlaam@yahoo.gr |
| St. Nicholas Anapafsas | +3024320 22375 | paterpolykarpos@gmail.com |
| Rousanou | +3024320 22649 | i.m.roussanou@gmail.com |
| Holy Trinity | +3024320 22220 | |
| St. Stephan | +3024320 22279 |
Visiting the Meteora Monasteries
In conclusion, visiting the Meteora Monasteries in Greece is a rewarding experience. Thankfully, we don’t have to use those nets and pulleys to gain access!
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I definitely cannot imagine how those monasteries were built into the sides of the cliffs. I love the unique theme of this post, and your pictures are perfect!
Thank you! 😁 The monasteries are incredible aren’t they? “There’s a rock cliff hundreds of meters high – let’s build a sanctuary at the top”. And then scrabbling up and down that cliff with building supplies and materials using ropes and ladders until it was constructed. 😱
It blows my mind. 🤯
So amazing! The organising to get them built still boggles the mind
Yes, can you imagine rock climbing with a basket of building supplies on your back, or something? I mean, really? Just – how? And then later, when they had the building constructed, they used to farm on the plains below. So up and down in the rope net every day, hoping that the ropes didn’t break in transit….