Meteora

Meteora is a site of 6 Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in the Thessaly province in central Greece. The monasteries are constructed on top of tall, steep sandstone pillars, making them appear to be "suspended in air", as the name Meteora suggests in Greek.








Hermit monks, the first inhabitants of Meteora, lived in the natural caves in the 9th century. In the 14th century, as the Ottoman Turks began migrating into Greece, monks at the site of Mt Athos fled to Meteora to practice their religion in peace. By climbing the steep pillars and slowly building new monasteries, the monks were able to avoid Turkish influence.









The first monastery built was the Monastery of the Great Meteoron. It is built on "broad rock", and now has stairs leading to the top, making it accessible for tourists. Inside has been converted into a museum, where visitors can see 15th century Byzantine frescoes.









The Agia Triada, or Holy Trinity Monastery, is more secluded and less visited than the Monastery of the Great Meteoron. To access the top, one must climb 140 stairs that wind in and out of the rock.









Inside the Agia Triada is an old winch that was once used to bring supplies, and other monks, to the top. It was operated by hand and connected to a basket hanging off the steep pillar. Ladders were also used by the monks to transport themselves, but now gondola cable cars are used.








The monasteries at Meteora are popular tourist sites and have been recognized as great achievements in human history. They carry religious significance for Eastern Orthodox Christians and represent a major achievement in architecture. Visiting Meteora is a breathtaking experience. The landscape is stunning and being in the secluded monasteries can be a spiritual experience.