meteor in Greece
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Meteora is a popular destination in Greece, known for its majestic rock formations and the "perched" monasteries upon them. Meteora – a unique place, often called the eighth wonder of the world, a combination of natural beauty and centuries-old Christian traditions. This is one of the wonders of Greece and is located not far from the Bulgarian border. Meteora is located 541 km from Sofia. The rocks of Meteora rise into the sky at a height of 400 meters above the Thessalian plain, Central China, and 1-2 kilometers north of Kalambaka. Since 1988, Meteora has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
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Meteora means "hanging in the air". It is believed that the rocks were inhabited as early as the 10th century by hermits who built themselves altars and living quarters. Later, Christian monks arrived, who began the construction of the monasteries. All materials for the construction of the churches were placed in nets and hauled up by hand.
An interesting fact is that, until the early 1920s, monks and visitors reached the monasteries themselves via rope or movable ladders, or steps carved into the rock.
In the immediate vicinity of Meteora are the settlements Kalambaka and Kastraki. They are used as starting points for tourist tours in the area. . In Kalambaka and Kastraki there are many hotels and apartments for rent, as well as several campsites in the surrounding area. Overnight prices start from 100 leva upwards (for a double room). Southeast of Kalambaka and north of Kastraki, paved roads have been laid, along which one can tour the six active monasteries. The area is dry and hot, it is recommended to carry water, a hat, and appropriate shoes. Besides as a spiritual and religious center, the area of Meteora is also famous for its numerous rock-climbing routes forged on the sheer walls.
Useful information:
- The entrance fee for each of the six monasteries open to visitors is 3 euros.
- Women are required to wear long skirts and have their shoulders covered. Even if it is hot outside, bring extra clothing to put on before entering the monastery. Those who are unprepared may borrow a skirt or a shawl at the entrance of each monastery. Men are not permitted to enter wearing shorts.
- Meteora is not a one-day tourist destination. Set aside at least a weekend to fully explore the area and the monasteries.
- The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn.
- Photography is allowed.
- "St. Nicholas" does not accept visitors during the winter;
- Please note that most monasteries have a lunch break between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, during which time visits are not permitted.
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The Great Meteor
The Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, also known as the Great Meteoron, is built on the highest rock in Meteora. It is the largest, most important, and oldest monastery. It was founded in 1334 by the monk Athanasios, who also established the rules and conditions under which the monks of Meteora would live. To this day, the abbot of this monastery remains the unofficial head of what was once called "Litopolis Stagi" (the Rock City).
The monastery church is built in the shape of a cross and features a complex twelve-sided dome, 24 meters high. In 1552, the interior was decorated with frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan and his sons, Simeon and Neophytos; the striking series of murals depicts the persecution of Christians by the Romans. Tel: 24320-22728
Манастир „Св. Стефан”
It is the only one accessible directly by car, with no stairs to climb. Today, St. Stephen’s is a relatively large and very beautiful convent, which has flourished thanks to the nuns who have lived there over the last few decades. Founded in 1192, it houses the skull of St. Charalambos. In 1961, the monastery was handed over to nuns, who renovated it; today, it is one of the larger monasteries in Meteora, home to approximately 28 nuns. Tel: 24320-22279
Holy Trinity Monastery
The Holy Trinity Monastery is the most difficult to access, as it towers atop a 400-meter-high rock formation; it is reached via 140 steps and tunnels hewn directly into the rock. Today, the Holy Trinity is no longer an active monastery, though it remains open to visitors. Legend has it that centuries ago—following its founding in 1362—the monastery housed as many as 50 monks, yet by the beginning of the 20th century, only five remained. Tel: 24320-22220
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Rusanum Monastery
The Monastery of St. Barbara, or Rousanou, is a thriving convent featuring beautiful gardens, though it is also a popular destination for tourists. In the 16th century, the brothers Joasaph and Maximos built the monastery in its present form on the ruins of an older monastery known as Rousanou. Currently, it is inhabited by between 6 and 13 nuns, according to various sources. Tel: 24320-22649
Monastery of Varlam
Varlaam is the second-largest monastery in Meteora by area and the most populous among the male monasteries—housing 7 monks as of 2015. Unfortunately, it has also proven to be one of the most commercialized. It was founded in 1517, after the hermit Varlaam sought solitude atop the rock, where he lived in poverty and isolation.
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
"St. Nicholas Anapafsas", a wonderful monastery, perched on top of a rock, remains a bit in the shadow of Varlaam and the Great Meteoron, but is no less remarkable. Around 2015, one monk lives in it, but tourists are not lacking. From the rooftop terrace of the monastery, a majestic view opens up towards Kastraki, a small village at the foot of Meteora, and towards the "needle", which shelters the ruins of the Pantokrator Monastery. It was founded in the first decade of the 14th century. In the ossuary of the monastery, the skulls of deceased monks are preserved. The monastery has frescoes and paintings by the icon painter Theophanes the Cretan. Tel: 24320-22375
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