Meteora

A testament to the faith, ingenuity, and dedication of medieval monks, the monasteries of Meteora perch incongruously on towering rock pinnacles that rise dramatically from the valley floor.

The otherworldly landscape itself would be worthy of a visit, but the addition of these seemingly inaccessible structures transforms it into an enthralling destination. In conjunction with the monasteries, there are cave hermitages, viewpoints, and legendary tales of invasion, royal patronage, supernatural beings, as well as sheer grit and determination.

Forged over millions of years, the bizarre landscape of Meteora consists of monumental columns of rock that rise from a valley floor flanked by the Pindus Mountains.

These pinnacles have been shaped into their surreal and precipitous forms through the effects of wind and water erosion, with numerous natural caves providing shelter since Palaeolithic times.

This area served as a sanctuary in a harsh landscape and soon caught the attention of religious hermits, the first of whom settled there in the 11th century. Upon arrival, it becomes immediately clear that the name Meteora, meaning "lofty" or "suspended in mid-air," is a fitting description.

An increasing number of attacks by the Turks prompted the hermits to establish the first clifftop monastery in the late 900s. Legend has it that they flew to their site on the back of an eagle; in reality, the first monks climbed the rock faces without ropes and then hoisted building materials (and later visitors) using winches and baskets.

In the 14th century, several other monasteries were constructed with royal patronage, ultimately growing the site to 24 monasteries by the 16th century. Only six of these remain today, and they are remarkably still in use and protected by UNESCO, the state, and the church.

Long flights of steps and chasm-spanning bridges allow access to the remaining monasteries, offering panoramic views at various points along the way.

The best-known of these monasteries is Moni Megalou Meteorou (also known as Grand Meteora), which is built on the highest pinnacle, reaching 613 m (2,011 ft) above sea level. Founded in the 14th century, it was the wealthiest and most powerful monastery in the region.

All of the monastic churches in Meteora feature exceptional frescoes. Visitors can also see a humbler treasure at Moni Varlaam, where one of the original rope baskets used to transport supplies is on display; it remained in use until the 1930s.

It is recommended that visitors come at sunset when the landscape and monasteries are at their most stunning. Arrangements can be made for exploration during this time, either through a hike or an e-bike tour.

The Meteora monastic complex retains much of its historical character, remaining free of shops, bars, or restaurants. The closest amenities can be found in the nearby village of Kastraki, a tranquil locale with a historic core of stone houses topped with clay-tile roofs.

Although Meteora can be visited at any time throughout the year, the optimal times are from April to June and September to November. During these months, pleasant temperatures can be enjoyed without the high heat and influx of visitors typical of July and August. The winter months may bring cold and wet weather, with occasional snowfall.  It should also be remembered that dress codes are applied within the monasteries - this should be researched and adhered to.