Meteora Monasteries

Greece

Steep cliffs, dizzying heights and UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Floating Monasteries of Meteora.

The Meteora Monasteries are a collection of several Greek Orthodox monasteries, which stand on sandstone formations up to 600 meters high. They are located a few kilometers from the city of Kalabaka and are today considered one of the most important monastery complexes in Greece. In the past, the buildings could only be reached by rope ladders and ropes, but today the way for visitors is much easier.

"Meteora" is Greek and means "floating in the air". The monasteries rightly bear this name, as in fog or high humidity they look as if they are floating in the clouds. The location on the Pindos Mountains, on the edge of the plain of Thessaly and the numerous columns created by tides also make the landscape a unique sight. Some monks in the 14th century had a similar thought and saw the obscure rock formations as the perfect opportunity to protect themselves from the increased invasions of Turkey. However, isolated hermit monks are said to have inhabited the caves in the stone columns since the 9th century. With the arrival of the fugitive monk Athanasios, who founded the monastery of Metamórphosis in 1344, the heyday of the Meteora monasteries began. At its peak 24 monasteries formed the complex, today only six of them are inhabited and open to visitors. The monasteries were restored in 1988 by the UNESCO awarded as a world cultural heritage.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the monasteries at dizzying heights could only be reached by rope ladders or nets that were pulled up the mountain. Accordingly, the visit required a lot of courage, because the ropes were replaced in each case only when "God made them break". It was not until the 1920s that steps were carved into the rocks of sandstone and conglomerate and the monasteries were connected with bridges to facilitate access. Over time, many of the once numerous monasteries fell victim to weathering, WW2 bombs, or were simply abandoned. Today, only six of the monasteries are still inhabited by either monks or nuns and are open to the public. Namely, these are the monasteries of Metamórphosis, Varlaám, Rousánou, Agía Triáda, Agios Stéfanos and Agios Nikólaos Anapavsás. They display unique paintings, bones of past inhabitants and are home to some stray cats. Because of their unusual appearance, the monasteries and surrounding landscape are a popular destination for photographers, and the high cliffs are considered a favorite in Greece by professional climbers.

Each of the inhabited Meteora monasteries can be visited. They are also never all closed at the same time, as the day of rest always takes place on a different day. So if you want to visit a particular monastery, you should check in advance when it is open. Most of the monasteries can be reached relatively easily thanks to the steps and bridges, some require a bit more physical effort than others. A visit is possible both individually and as part of many day trips from larger cities nearby. There is a certain dress code when visiting; pants and skirts/dresses should always reach above the knees and shoulders should be covered. In some cases, female visitors are asked to wear a provided apron over their pants. In addition, climbing or even ascending to the uninhabited ruins without a guide and the necessary experience is not recommended and can be very dangerous.

You always wanted to travel to Greece and experience an incredible adventure? On our Greece sailing adventure we visit the most beautiful bays and beaches!

Fun Fact

The spectacular monasteries and their surroundings have been the backdrop of many famous scenes. Among them are the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only" and "Hohenehr" (orig. The Eyrie) from Game Of Thrones. In the latter, one of the monasteries was digitally altered.

MEGA SALE

Double your discount up to 1.200,- €when you book with a friend today! 😍

Save on our unique trips, including our Namibia trip, with up to 300,-€ Discount.

👫✈️ Unique friends campaign 🚨: Book together with a friend and we'll double your discount - for both of you! 🎉

Offer only until on January 31! ⏰

Wait! A 50€ voucher is waiting for you

Sign up now for the TripLegend newsletter for free and get 50€ off your first booking (with full payment). Get travel inspiration and adventure ideas delivered to your inbox.