By Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about Meteora in Greece


 

Meteora in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name means “suspended in the air,”. A visit to this place will bring sense to that meaning.

The place is characterized by eroded rocks, some of which have monasteries built on them. Monks used to live here, there were a total of 24 monasteries.

These monasteries were built in the 15th century, it leaves one wondering and marvelling at the same time how they pulled it out.    

The monasteries are an indication of the extent people would go in search of spirituality and peace. They can be accessed through a flight of stairs, the views from the monasteries are breath-taking.

Let’s now look at the top 10 facts about Meteora in Greece.

1. It is the second most important historical site in Greece

By Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia

Meteora is one of the most beautiful places in Greece as well as the world. The place speaks for itself.

The rocks and the monasteries are the second most important historical location in Greece, the first one being the Acropolis.  

This unique valley was formed about 60 million years ago. Extreme temperatures, wind and water eroded the rocks. The rocks weathered away and formed the columns and pinnacles of rocks.

The location of the rocks, quite serene, was convenient for monks. The place became suitable for their monasteries where they spent time praying.

Although this rock formation is not unique to Greece, which makes Meteora stand out is that they are all of the uniform shapes.  

2. The caves near Meteora were occupied for over 500 centuries

By Stathis Floros – Wikimedia

There are caves close to the Meteora that was inhabited for a long time more than 5,000 years ago. One of the oldest structures found was a stone wall that blocked most of the entrance to the Theopetra cave.

The wall is believed to have been built more than 2,300 centuries ago. Archaeologists speculate that the wall was built to act as a barrier against the harsh wind. This was during the Ice Age period.

Inside the caves, Palaeolithic and Neolithic artefacts, proof of human activities, were found.

It is interesting to note that the Meteora was neither mentioned in any of the classical Greek myths nor Ancient Greek literature.

The first people to live at the Meteora were a group of hermit monks. This was in the 9th century AD. They made their monasteries in fissures in the rock tower.

Only the most determined made it to the top of the rocks. In the beginning, the monks would only meet on Sundays and other designated special days to worship.

They would meet at the foot of the rocks where they had built a chapel, the rock was known as Dhoupiani.

3. Meteora was raided during World War II

One would think that being isolated and difficult to access would make the Meteora safe. Well, during World War II, the Meteora became a target.

The reason for the attack was because of their historical significance. The monasteries were also raided and valuable work of arts was stolen.

During the War, the peace that the monks had enjoyed for years was rudely interrupted. Luckily, not all the monasteries were destroyed.  

4. There is a lot of walking to get to the monasteries

By Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia

The only way to access the monasteries is through a series of steps to the top. One of the monasteries, the Holy Trinity, has about 140 steps.

The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is connected to a walking bridge. it is the only monastery that is accessible from all the others.

For visitors going to Meteora, arriving early in the morning is best to avoid the long queues on the steps.  

Food and drinks are easily available in Kastraki and Kalabaka towns, but not at the top of Meteora and next to monasteries, so better take food and drinks with you.

5. Baskets and ropes were used to take people up and down the monasteries

The monks accessed the top of the rocks by climbing up long ladders or on large nets. The nets and baskets were used to carry both people and goods up to the monasteries.

They would occasionally replace the ropes and had a statement that went “only when the Lord let them break”. One needed to have lots of faint to be suspended in the nets.

UNESCO records show that the courageous monks would be lifted vertically along the cliff which is 1,224 feet tall.

The first woman to go up the Meteora was Queen Marie of Romania. This was in 1921, by then they had cut steps on the side of the rocks. They also made a bridge from the nearby plateau.

6. Out of 24 monasteries, only six are functional today

By Vaggelis Vlahos – Wikimedia

Before World War II, there were 24 active monasteries in Meteora. During the War, most of the monasteries were bombed. Now there are 6 monasteries left.

The monasteries have 20 monks and 4 nuns. Majority of the monks left the monasteries because they were no longer peaceful. This is due to the large numbers of tourists visiting the place.

These monks were part of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The architecture of the buildings was similar to those of Athonite style.

In 2015, there were 15 monks and 41 nuns. The ruins of the other 18 monasteries are still there.

7. It was featured in a James Bond movie

It is no surprise that the Meteora was featured in the popular James Bond franchise.

The James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only has the picturesque landscape of the Meteora. It had a key role in the plot of the movie, Bond 7 is seen at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.  

The scenery of Meteora is very appealing to the eye.  

8. The sunrise and sunset views from Meteora are magical

By Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia

For the best sunset and sunrise experience in Greece, the Meteora offers the best views by far. All monasteries face east, making perfect to catch the first light of the day.

The sunset is something to look forward to. As the sun sets, it casts long shadows from the west to the east. The sky then gradually changes colour from purple, orange then a soft red before sinking into the horizon.

9. All the monasteries face east

By Vaggelis Vlahos – Wikimedia

The monasteries at Meteora are all dedicated to different saints. All the altars in the church face the east, where the sun rises.

Although the direction that the sun rises from is not in any way related to Christian beliefs. Other religions, however, derive special meaning to that.

By having the church altars facing east, the Meteora is connected to all the saints recognized in the valley.

10. The monks had all they need at the monasteries

While the monks were building the monasteries, they meant for them to be self-sustaining.

The monasteries at the Meteora are suspended more than 1,000 feet in the sky on single columns of rocks.  

There are gardens for vegetables and flowers at the top of the rocks. Right below the rocks was a river where they got water for use and also to water their plants.  

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.