Situated at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly, are these beautiful monasteries of Meteora extending up to a height of 313m. Meteora gives the meaning, suspended rocks or heaven above and it is supposed to be one of the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Evidences suggest that these pinnacles were formed at least 60 million years ago. A special geographic feature seen here is that the sandstone rocks rise above from the ground. Composition of the rocks is of sandstone and conglomerate. With the time and certain factors like the withering of the rocks, they were shaped into stone pillars seen today. There is also a cave found near the foot of the cliffs.
It is believed that an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to these pinnacles in 9th century and they were the first ever to inhabit Meteora. The pinnacles were helpful to them to avoid unwanted visitors as they were at least 500m above the plain. The monks followed a strict methodology as they met outsiders only on Sundays and specialdays for worshipping and praying in a chapel at the foot of the rock Dhoupiani. However we canot exactly say the date of establishment of the monasteries. But by 11th and 12th century, a rudimentary monastic state had formed known as the Skete of Stagoi. Also around 1344, a group of followers was brought down here by Athanasios Koinovitis from Mount Athos and he founded the great Meteoron monastery on Broad Rock. The place was ideal because it has only one way of reaching which was by climbing a long ladder. Whenever the monks felt threatened, they draw up the ladder for safety.
At the end of the 14th century, the hermit monks were seeking retreat from the expanding Turkish reign and they found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora. Initially there were about 20 monasteries built but only 6 remain today. Nectarios and Theophanes built the monastery of Varlaám during 1517, which was reputed to house the finger of St John and the shoulder blade of St Andrew. It was a difficult task to access the monasteries initially but however, during the 1920s there were certain improvements. A bridge was built from the nearby plateau and steps were cut into the rock.
The climate of the areas is at constant fluctuation as it may b sweltering during summer or very cold in winter. There is a heavy rainfall around the calendar but there are dry times during the summer too. Today out of the six remaining monasteries, one is inhabited by men and two by women. As this is a religious place of importance lady visitors are advised to wear skirts covering their knees and tops covering their shoulders. Men are advised to wear trousers covering their knees but still if you come unprepared they will be available for you at the entrance.
Travellers’ Guide
If you are planning to visit these rock monasteries, from Athens you can take the bus to Meteora or the train from Thessaloniki, Volos, Larissa or Paleofarsalos station.
There are many restaurants and hotels in the area you can visit. Check these out.
Hotel Odysseon
Kalampaka
Archontiko Mesohori
Kastraki
Also's House
5 Kanari St. 422 00 Kalampaka
Hotel Rex
Patriarhou Dim St 7
Tsikeli Hotel
Kastraki
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