Meteora is a complex of enormous sandstone and conglomerate rock formations in Thessaly, near the town of Kalambaka. It is home to the second-largest monastic community in Greece after Mount Athos, with monasteries perched atop the rocks. The harsh and hard-to-reach landscape attracted monks, who began settling there from the 11th century onward.

 

Despite incredible difficulties, a total of 24 monasteries were built, six of which remain active today. Since 1988, Meteora has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a true treasure trove of post-Byzantine art. Several churches were painted by 16th-century masters such as Theophanes the Cretan and Frangos Katelanos. Major landmarks include the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ (“Great Meteoron”), the monasteries of Varlaam, Holy Trinity, and St Nicholas Anapafsas. Visitors are stunned by the breathtaking landscape, while the Meteora rocks are also ideal for hiking and climbing.