Why to visit Meteora

Meteora is home to six stunning monasteries that are perched above boulders and cliffs, making it a picturesque site to learn about Greek history, architecture, and spiritual journey amidst nature's grandeur. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a scenery that's not just bizarre, but also holistic and magnificent.

Meteora is one of Greece's holiest tourist destinations, reflecting the 2000-year-old Christian Orthodox beliefs. There were once 24 monasteries, but now just 6 survive. While two of the remaining monasteries are active convents with nuns (Agios Stefanos and Roussanou), the other four are male monasteries where monks live, learn, and meditate.

The hermit monks who initially occupied Meteora couldn't walk upstairs or across bridges to get to their solitary and safe sanctuary; instead, they had to scale the walls with ropes and ladders. The Meteora Monasteries rise up to 500 metres (1500 ft) above the ground. Visitors can now view the Monasteries in Meteora from bridges and stairways, but it doesn't make it any less fascinating!

Special Tip

Meteora is a very touristy place, so if you have the option, go to the monasteries first thing in the morning. Otherwise, you'll waste time standing in lines and won't be able to see anything due to the crowds. One monastery has a three-euro entrance fee. Monasteries' opening hours may change, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information.

By Haniya Aamir