Meteora
Pillars of black sandstone rock reaching for the sky can be seen from miles away. Meteora is a unique blend of nature’s sculptures and a man-made Wonder of the World. The English translation of Meteora is “suspended in the air.”
In the mid-14th century, monks built twenty-four monasteries on the peaks of these stone towers—an impressive feat of construction!
Today, six of the original Greek Christian Orthodox monasteries are still functioning. They are in excellent condition, maintained by the priests who inhabit them.
Roads snake uphill around bends, climbing higher and higher. Parking on the roadside is scarce from mid-morning until mid-afternoon. Reaching the entrances to the monasteries involves a long, strenuous, uphill trek along zig-zag stone paths, which can be challenging, especially if one visits in the scorching midday sun.
There is a small fee to enter each monastery. Women are required to cover their arms and wear skirts. Long pants are not acceptable. In some cases, shawls similar to sarongs can be rented at the entrance to the monastery, while several monasteries require you to purchase what they call a “skirt.” They cost approximately three Euros (at the time of this writing) and are actually very useful. They are light as a feather and can be worn again as a shawl, scarf, or beach skirt.
Men may not wear shorts. They must wear long pants or a sarong to cover their legs.
The interiors and size of some of the monasteries are impressive. Frescoes cover walls from floor to ceiling; delicate chandeliers cast a soft glow on the artwork; miniature outdoor gardens have been planted and nurtured, and the views from the top of one monastery to the next are spectacular.
Plan on spending two days visiting all six monasteries. To have the best experience, arrive early in the morning, a half hour before they open. Unfortunately, one must drive from monastery to monastery and find a new parking space each time, as most monasteries are quite far apart. The alternative is to take a guided tour, where a bus will drop you off and pick you up.
Check what time each monastery opens and closes and which day of the week each monastery is closed to visitors.
The town of Kalabaka is a seventeen-minute drive from the monasteries. Choose a hotel that has rooms with balconies and views of the black rock wonders crowned by monasteries.
They’re a beautiful sight at sunrise and sunset.
The town has a lively atmosphere and a choice of restaurants serving delicious traditional Greek food.
Meteora is a highlight of traveling through Greece. It’s a gem not to be missed.