Monasteries

Meteora is one of the most beautiful and mystique places in Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Thessaly, close to the town of Kalambaka. Meteora means “Middle of the Sky” and is well known worldwide for its rock formations and balanced monasteries on top of these natural pillars. The following guide shall present a general overview of Meteora, including history, cultural meaning, and practical advice for visitors.

Overview of its History.

The Beginnings.

The geology of Meteora dates back more than 60 million years ago, featuring sandstone and conglomerate deposits of the ancient sea that once covered the entire area. During millions of years, the landscape kept changing due to erosion and seismic activity. From this process, these unique rock formations were born. These towering cliffs have been an important landmark for humans since prehistoric times; evidence of human habitation in these caves dates back 50,000 years ago.

The Birth of Monastic Life.

The history of Meteora as a monastic community began in the 9th century when hermit monks sought refuge in the area’s natural caves and fissures. These early ascetics were drawn by the solitude and spiritual isolation that the imposing rock towers inspired. By the 11th century, the first rudimentary monastic structures had been established.

The Golden Age of Monasticism.

The 14th century was the golden century of Meteora’s monasticism. St. Athanasios the Meteorite, considered the founder of the Meteora monastic state, founded the Great Meteoron Monastery in 1344. Then, many monasteries were constructed on top of the cliffs under his leadership and with the protection of Byzantine emperors, which soon made Meteora a flourishing monastic center. There used to be 24 functioning monasteries, each standing as a lighthouse of Orthodox Christian heart and erudition.

Ottoman Rule and Decline.

The monasteries of Meteora represented an important way of preserving both Greek culture and Orthodoxy during the Ottoman occupation of Greece from 1453 until 1821. The monasteries provided shelter and schooling during a time of foreign rule. Over time, active monasteries had reduced in their numbers, though, due to such factors as economic adversity, wars, and other challenges for maintaining such isolated places.
 
Modern Era.

In the 20th century, Meteora gradually became known across the world due to the uniqueness of its culture and history. Due to road construction and the development of tourism during the mid-20th century, it became very easy to approach these monasteries all of a sudden. In 1988, UNESCO placed Meteora on the World Heritage List to help protect its monastic heritage and natural beauty.

Exploring the Monasteries.

Today, only six of the original 24 monasteries remain active and are open to visitors, each possessing its beauty and history.

1. The Great Meteoron Monastery.
   History: As the largest and oldest of all Meteora monasteries, the Great Meteoron Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. Throughout its history, it formed a central part of the spiritual and cultural life of the surrounding area.
   Highlights: The monastery’s museum has a very impressive collection of Byzantine icons, manuscripts, and other religious devices. The cathedral, entitled to the Transfiguration of Christ, is embellished with magnificent frescoes dating back to the 16th century.
2. Varlaam Monastery.
   History: Varlaam Monastery was founded in 1517 by Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades and is named in memory of an earlier hermit who lived on the rock.
   The katholikon (temple) is dedicated to All Saints and the inner walls of it are decked with frescoes of bright colors, while the monastery houses a small museum with religious relics and other items of historical interest.
3. Roussanou Monastery.
   History: This monastery dates from the 16th century and was initially dedicated to Saint Barbara. It has been restored and repaired several times throughout its history.
   Views from Roussanou are simply stunning. The monastery’s chapel is beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the Saints.
4. St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery.
   History: The early 16th century is the date for building this monastery. Small in comparison to other Meteora monasteries, it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, their protector of sailors.
   Highlights: The beautiful main church, painted by the famous painter Theophanes Strelitzas, must be visited. There are panoramic views of the valley below that can be viewed from the monastery.
5. Holy Trinity Monastery.
   History: Holy Trinity Monastery dates back to the 15th century and perhaps is the most striking in terms of appearance, being perched precariously on top of a steep rock.
   Views: A steep path and stairs lead to the monastery, which is then rewarded with some breathtaking views. The monastery chapel itself is adorned with impressive frescoes and many religious artifacts.
6. St. Stephen’s Monastery.
   History: Dating from the 14th century, St. Stephen’s Monastery was a male monastery but since the 1960s has been a nunnery.
   The monastery’s church is dedicated to Saint Charalambos, and a relic of the saint is kept there. In this monastery, one has access via a bridge, and there are sensational views from here across the plain.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities.

Meteora is not only a spiritual and historical destination but also for lovers of nature and the outdoors. The region offers a variety of activities to complement your visit to the monasteries.

Hiking and walking Trails.

There are plenty of paths that criss-cross the landscape of Meteora, everything from easy walks to more demanding treks, by which one can appreciate the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the region. Among them, the following routes exist:

Kalambaka to Great Meteoron: It provides a reasonable hike through lush forests and up rocky paths, finishing in the stunning Great Meteoron Monastery.
Kastraki–Holy Trinity: This way starts from the village of Kastraki and ends in the Holy Trinity Monastery. It is a very beautiful route with great views.
Circular Route: This circular route will allow visitors to be able to link their hike with a visit to most of the Meteora monasteries and see the natural beauty surrounding them.

Rock Climbing.

Meteora is famous for its excellent rock climbing conditions. The towering cliffs offer routes both for the first-timer and the professional climber. The unique rock formations and splendid views make climbing in Meteora an unforgettable experience.

Photography.

The landscape in Meteora is dramatic, so there’s no shortage of picture opportunities. Whether it is the sunrise, casting a golden glow over the monasteries; mist hanging over cliffs; or intricate details of frescoes, Meteora provides a photographer’s paradise.

Practical Information for Visitors.

How to Get There.

By Car: Meteora is easily accessible by car from Athens in about 4-5 hours of driving and Thessaloniki within 3 hours. The drive is beautiful, offering a green landscape of the Greek countryside.
By Train: Trains arrive frequently from Athens and Thessaloniki into Kalambaka. A comfortable train journey with nice views of the scenery changing from one region to another.
By Bus: Long-distance buses run between Athens and Thessaloniki, stopping in Kalambaka. Buses are a fast, hassle-free, and inexpensive option for travelers.

Best Time to Visit.

Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are the two periods that represent the best time to visit Meteora. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the crowds are not as large as in summertime. If you are seeking really warm weather without big crowds, then summer is the time to visit. Winter, on the other hand, offers a unique quiet time with the beauty of snow if it exists.

Accommodation.

Accommodation in Kalambaka and the village of Kastraki runs from budget hostels to luxury hotels. In both locations, it is fairly well placed for easy access to Meteora and the monasteries.

Tips for Visiting the Monasteries.

Dress Code: One must dress modestly to visit monasteries. For men, this means long trousers, while for women, it means a skirt which is of considerable length down the knees and top with sleeves. Some monasteries have skirts and shawls placed at the entrance.

Opening Hours: All monasteries open at different hours of the day and close on different days of the week. So, investigate ahead of time. Plan a visit in such a way that you get ample time to see everything.
Entrance Fees: Most of the monasteries have an entrance fee, which runs into a few euros each. These are used for maintenance and preservation purposes of the respective monasteries.
Respectful Behavior: Do remember that all of these places are active religious places; hence, behave accordingly. Be respectful, not loud in conversation, and do not take pictures in forbidden places.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences.

Local Cuisine.

Thessaly is a region to which Meteora belongs, and here, exists a great variety of local cuisine.

Moussaka: One of the recognized traditional dishes of Greece; moussaka is a dish comprising layers of eggplant, minced meat, and bechamel sauce.
Souvlaki: Skewers of meat, usually pork, chicken, or beef, grilled over charcoal, sometimes seafood or vegetables. The dish is normally served with pita, vegetables, and tzatziki.
Spanakopita: A savory pie that contains spinach and feta.
Baklava: Layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup make for this sweet, spiced pastry.

Cultural Events.

Throughout the year, various cultural events in both Kalambaka and Kastraki express the heritage of the local traditions, music, and dance. Participation in them helps to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this region of Greece, communicate with locals, and learn from them.

Conclusion.

Meteora is a place full of natural beauty and a deep spiritual heritage, rich in history. It’s the monasteries of old, treading along beautiful trails, and enjoying delicious local food that will make your Meteora experience unforgettable. This guide is designed to arm you with all of the information you will need to get the most out of visiting this mystical marvel in the heart of Greece. Embrace the serenity, feel respect for the ingenuity of the monastic architecture, and bathe in Meteora’s timeless charm.