Why Meteora
in Greece is special

The isolated monasteries of Meteora in northern Greece are spectacularly perched on precipitous rock towers.

Meteora
tips and insights

The Meteora monasteries

In the 16th century there were about 20 monastery rock-tower sites. Today only a handful remain. One of them, Saint Stephan, is a nunnery. Holly Trinity (Agia Triada) is the most photogenic monastery. See photo.

Why they were built

The monks constructed their monasteries on the hard-to-access rock pillars of Meteora for a practical reason. They wanted to be beyond the reach of the Ottoman army that was invading Greece.

Going up

The rock columns soar from 75 to 300 meters (250 to 1000 feet) above the plain. Originally, humans were hoisted up in nets along with provisions. Or, they climbed a series of vertical ladders. Today, you sometimes need to climb steep cliff-hewn steps or cross a narrow bridge spanning a deep chasm.

Name

Meteora is ancient Greek for "suspended in midair".

Avoid the crowds

If possible, shun summer weekends. You will avoid the tour-bus crowds from Athens, Greece.

Location in Greece

Know my other
Greece tips and insights

Greece wonders - Top 10 rankings
Greece wonder map
Basic Greek phrases for travelers
Greek cuisine

 

Visit Greece

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials