Meteora

Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Greece’s Thessaly region, is a location of stunning beauty and spiritual significance. Meteora, known for its towering rock formations and monasteries perched above them, provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind and awe-inspiring experience.

The word “Meteora” means “suspended in the air,” which aptly characterizes the breathtaking scenery that awaits tourists. Six active monasteries can be found on the site, each with its beauty and historical value. Built atop sandstone pillar cliffs, these monasteries offer a bizarre and otherworldly scene that captures the imagination.

Travel to Meteora and explore the amazing history

 

In the 11th century, the first hermit monks reached the -up until then- inaccessible peaks of the dominating rocks and soon formed the monastic community of “Skiti of Doupiani”. During the 14th century, Saint Athanasios Meteoritis created the first organized ascetic commune in the Great Meteoro. Twenty-four monasteries, numerous cells, and prayer rooms were carved in the rocks or created inside the caves for more than 600 years. Today, the following monasteries are intact and functioning: Great Meteoro, Varlaam, Holy Trinity, St. Stephan, Rousanou, and St. Nicholas Anapafsas.

Hundreds of visitors arrive daily in Meteora, from all over the world, to meditate and pray. They get to know the life of the monks, admire the unique landscape, the peculiar yet impressive architecture and hagiography, as well as study the priceless cultural and religious treasures. The rocks are composed of a mixture of sandstone and conglomerate. They formed about 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period, when a series of earth movements pushed the seabed upwards, creating a high plateau and causing many fault lines to appear in the thick layer of sandstone. Continuous weathering by water, wind, and extremes of temperature turned them into huge rock pillars, marked by horizontal lines, which geologists believe were made by the waters of a prehistoric sea.

Meteora

Meteora

Meteora

A lifetime experience

 

Visitors can either climb the stone stairs built into the cliffs or travel a meandering route to the top to reach the monastery. The ascent itself is an experience, with breathtaking views of the rock formations and valley below. Visitors are rewarded not only with the sight of the monasteries but also with the quiet ambiance and the spectacular splendor of the natural surroundings once they reach the summit.

Meteora’s natural beauties extend beyond the monasteries. The rock formations themselves are a testament to nature’s forces, formed by wind and water over millions of years. The distinctive geological structures, together with the lush foliage that surrounds them, offer an awe-inspiring and calm setting. Visitors can also marvel at the monasteries’ stunning architecture and rich religious legacy. The monasteries date from the 14th and 15th centuries when monks sought shelter in these remote areas. Some monasteries are now available to the public, offering a look into monastic life as well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

The hiking trails and the amazing scenery

 

Exploring the hiking trails around Meteora is a popular activity for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, offering close-up views of the rock formations, caves, and hidden corners of the landscape. Hiking in Meteora provides a sense of tranquility and a deeper connection to the spirituality of the place.

Photographers will have plenty of possibilities to capture the magnificence of Meteora. The changing light and shadows play on the cliffs from sunrise to sunset, creating a magnificent and ever-changing panorama. Photographers can capture the cliff-side monasteries, the stunning scenery, and the interaction of nature and human creativity.

Meteora is a site that inspires awe, wonder, and spiritual connection. Its magnificent rock formations, perched monasteries, and tranquil natural environs provide for a unique experience. Book your trip today to Meteora with Mideast Travel.

Meteora

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