Meteora

in Thessaly

Information about villages, beaches, sightseeing, restaurants, activities and more...

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Map of Meteora

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About Meteora
Meteora is part of central Greece, and is placed on the north-western edge of the Plain of Thessaly
near Pindus Mountains and the Peneios River. It constitutes one of the most dramatic landscapes
of the country and is also its second largest and most popular complex of monasteries.

On the other hand, the name given to this region means "suspended in the air" which perfectly
describes its main feature, as the monasteries are placed on great natural stone pillars, which by
the way is a unique architectural achievement.

Therefore, the monasteries look as if they were suspended in the air, which has been purposely
made during the 14th century, in order to protect the hermit monks during the Ottoman
occupation, by the inaccessibility of these huge rock pillars.

However, this was not totally new, since hermits and ascetics have traditionally clambered up the
peaks of the Meteora since approximately 10th century, while in the late12th century the Panaghia
Doupiani, a small church also known as "Skete" was built at the foot of one of these endless rocks
where monks had already established their residence.

This way of living resulted very safe for the difficult times that were coming to the point that by
the 15th century, there were 26 monasteries functioning, 6 of which still work. 5 of them are male
and 1 is female.

However, in the 1920s some steps have been carved into the rocks, which leaded to a bridge from
the close plateau. Obviously this measure gives a much more simple access to the complex,
instead of the large nets or unsafe ladders lashed together that the ancient monks used for
descending.

Each one of these monasteries has less than 10 inhabitants, although they are extensively visited
by tourists. In addition, the monasteries in Meteora are included on the UNESCO World Heritage
List. The Monastery of Agia Triada, which means Holy Trinity has been used for the final scenes of
a James Bond film, called "For Your Eyes Only".

Once inside the monasteries, the visitor can appreciate many Byzantine relics and great frescoes,
which were also praised by the UNESCO. Fortunately, Meteora has been kept in good conditions,
which gives us the chance to experience this unbelievable environment that seems to be timeless.
The mountainous landscape of Meteora also gives the opportunity to practice various sports
activities.

The famous lake Plastira is located close to Meteora, a place of amazing natural beauty. You also
don't miss the opportunity to go trekking in the Natural Reserve of Antichassia or walk along river
Aspropotamos and see the bridge of Agios Vissarionas. Skiing is also a good option as a popular ski
centre is located closeby.

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Best Villages in Meteora

Kalambaka (Rating: by Greeka members)
Location: Right beneath Meteora

Description: Nice and calm, Kalambaka is a modern town that spreads in the
valley beneath Meteora. It has ample streets, nice squares with fountains and
gives great view to Meteora from every part of the town.
Sightseeing: Monastery of Agia Triada, Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
Anapafsa, Monastery of Agios Stefanos, Monastery of Grand Meteoron,
Monastery of Roussanou, Monastery of Varlaam, Plastira Lake

Best Sightseeing in Meteora

Monastery of Grand Meteoron
Location: Kalambaka
The largest of the monasteries on the highest spot of Meteora, the Monastery
of Grand (or Megalo) Meteoron was founded around 1340 by monk
Athanasios.

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Monastery of Agios Stefanos
Location: Kalambaka
Constructed in the 15th century, this is the only female monastery that works
in Meteora. During the Second World War, it was severely destroyed by
German troops.

Monastery of Varlaam
Location: Kalambaka
Built in the 15th century by two monks, it needs to climb up 195 steps to go
to this monastery. This is the second largest monastery of Meteora.

Credits
Greeka.com would like to thank the following members for their valuable contribution, as some of
the photos included in this guide belong to them.
MSPANAKIS, alexis, alin, andoni, ariadna, attilafehe, dannyb, davides, emerald,
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heroman63, ilkadina, izzyb, jondhaw, mug2bk, patras, philsmith, traveller1

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