What is it
Monasteries perched on top of rock pillers
Where is it
Thessaly, Central Greece
Did you know?
Meteora has been credited for keeping the Greek Orthodox traditions alive during the Turkish occupation(more facts)
A little more on the Meteora monasteries
Meteora is home to six monasteries precariously perched on top of rock pillars at the edge of the Pindus Mountains in Thessaly, Central Greece. Situated up to 549m high, it is not hard to see why the site was named Meteora (Greek for ‘into the air’). From this location the monasteries have stunning views over the valley of the Pindus River.
It was 985 AD when the first monks made their homes in the caves of the pillars. Later in the 14th Century Athansios and his followers arrived from Mt Athos, seeking refuge from the Turkish invaders. With a grant from the Serbian government, they built the Church of Transfiguration. Over time buildings were added to the site, forming Megalo Meteoro or Grand Meteora, the grandest and most powerful of the monasteries.
An additional 23 monasteries were built on the neighbouring pinnacles, each self-supporting with their own farms and/or goats. A series of retractable ladders and hand winched nets were used to get materials and people to the monasteries. This level of isolation is credited for keeping the Greek Orthodox traditions alive during the Turkish occupation.
In the early 20th century the monasteries were taken over by the state after the Greek-Turkish war. The 1920s saw steps being cut into the sides of the pinnacles and bridges built for easier access. In the 1960s a road was built to give tourists access to this wonder of the world. Today 5 monasteries and one nunnery are still active and five are open for visitors.
