Meteora is a formation of huge dark colored rocks that constitute a geological phenomenon of unique beauty as well as an important monument of the Orthodox religion.

The rocks are virtually ‘suspended’ (the meaning of the Greek word: meteora). Some of them reach 400 m above the plain, and on their peaks there are orthodox monasteries.

It is one of the largest complexes of monasteries in Greece, second only to Agion Oros (Mount Athos).

In 1989 the UNESCO included Meteora in its World Heritage List, as a place of special cultural and physical significance.
The word ‘Meteora’ came from Saint Athanasios Meteoritis, founder of the monastery called ‘Metamorfosis tou Sotiros’ (The Transfiguration of Jesus), or else Great Meteoron. St Athanasios Meteoritis gave this name to the ‘large stone’ on which he climbed, for the first time, in 1344.

Information:

One can reach Meteora from Kalampaka, which is 20 km far from Trikala.

In the past the inhabited monasteries on Meteora were 30, to many of which the access was through rope ladders. Today there are only six monasteries that are inhabited and some smaller ones.

The six monasteries that remain today are:

• The Holy Monastery of St Nicolaos Asmenos or Anapausas. (inhabited by men, built in 1150)
• The Holy Monastery of Rousanos (or Arsanis) (built in 1288)
• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron (or Metamorfosis tou Sotiros) which was built on the biggest rock called: “Large Stone”. In Great Meteoron the visitor can see St Athanasios’ retreat.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam or Agion Panton Monastery (meaning the Monastery of All Saints) that is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. (built in 1350).
• The Holy Monastery of Agia Trias (The Holy Trinity) that was founded by the monk Dometios in 1438.
• The Holy Monastery of St Stephanos (St Stephen) that is inhabited by women.

One can also visit the following monasteries:

• The Holy Monastery of Ipapanti.
• The Holy Monastery of St Nicholaos Badovas, on the site ‘Kofinia’.
• Doupiani, today’s church of  Zoodohos Pigi (The Life-giving Source), which was founded by the monk Nilos.
• The Holy Monastery of St Georgios Mandilas.
• The Holy Monastery of the Holy Spirit  (or else the Archangels Michael and Gabriel monastery) that is the oldest monastery of Meteora.

Infrastructures:

• There are lots of tourist camps, let rooms, guesthouses and hotels in the area.
• The area is connected to the rest of Greece through railway and bus service.

Meteora offers:

• A unique, sacred and untouched landscape that retains its Orthodox authenticity.
• A marvelous natural setting due to the extraordinariness of its giant cliffs.
• A variety of food and accommodation choices.

Suggestions:

• Visit Meteora on a weekday so as to avoid crowds.
• Spend the night in one of the monastery guesthouses and have the unique experience of monastic life.
• Experience the rituals of the Easter Holy Week, where Resurrection has a real meaning.
• See the woodcut chancel screen, a real masterpiece, in the catholic church of the St Stephanos monastery.
• Visit Kalampaka, and see the church of  ‘Kimisis tis Theotokou’ (Virgin Mary’s Dormition) that was built in the 11th century and is of a byzantine architectural style.
• Taste the local cuisine at the traditional little taverns in Kastraki.

And for the young (and the young at heart):

• Ascend climbing routes of different climbing grades on Meteora rocks.
• Walk through the rocks, on the paths where the monks used to walk.
• Go mountain cycling, hiking or try rappelling (abseiling).
• Go slope parachute jumping, landing in front of St Stephanos monastery.