The Meteora monastery complex is perched precariously on a towering natural sandstone cliff, standing out in the middle of the bustling Thessaly plain, in the town of Kalambaka, Central Greece. This is one of the most unique architectural works in the world, leaving many visitors wondering how humans could build such a wonder. In Greek, Meteora means "suspended in the air" or "stone pillar of the sky".
This monastery complex was formed in the 14th century, when monks on the Athos Peninsula, southern Europe were threatened by Turkish pirates. They were forced to move to new lands, where there were dangerous and inaccessible stone forests, to find shelter. The process of building these "floating in the air" structures was extremely difficult. They had to transport a large amount of materials over extremely dangerous steep sandstone columns using rope ladders. By the time it was completed, Meteora had 24 magnificent monasteries paved with sweat, tears and even the lives of many people.
After many historical events, Meteora has only 6 intact monasteries. Each monastery has less than 10 monks living in seclusion and isolated from the outside world.
Not only is the monastery unique in its geographical location and history, its interior architecture also fascinates many people. Throughout the halls and prayer areas, relics, elaborately carved wooden crosses, statues of saints, and unique and delicate frescoes are skillfully decorated, both reverent and aesthetically pleasing.
In the past, to reach the gates of these cathedrals, which towered in the clouds, people had to rely on a network of ropes, pulleys and rope ladders. Today, visitors can travel easily because Meteora built a system of safe stairs in the 1920s.
Meteora is considered one of the largest and most important monastic complexes in Greece. UNESCO recognized this complex of monasteries suspended in the clouds as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1998 and since then, Meteora has become a famous tourist attraction and one of the symbols of Greece.
As a famous destination of Greece, summer (from July to October) is the peak season for tourism activities here. Tourists who do not like the noise often visit Meteora in autumn - winter (from December to March) to enjoy the cool weather, quiet scenery and reduced prices for services. In addition, you can also go skiing, visit Theopetra cave (an archaeological site that preserves evidence of human habitation more than 130,000 years ago), participate in mountain climbing activities on the sandstone peaks in Meteora or visit Kalabaka village right below the Holy Trinity monastery to experience the daily life of the people here.
When visiting religious sites, visitors should dress modestly and modestly. The cost of visiting this complex of monasteries in the clouds is not compulsory and depends on the generosity of visitors.
Directions to Meteora Monasteries
By bus:Depart from Ioannina, Trikala, Thessaloniki or Athens to Kalampaka.
By train:From Thessaloniki or Athens then travel to Kalampaka.
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