The massive rocks, rushing up with a flat surface Thessalian valley and reaches a height of 400 meters, is a rare geological phenomenon. Carved by nature, these amazing, massive, as if hovering in the air sculpture called Meteora (from the Greek "meteoros" - hovering in the air).
Unapproachable, totally cut off from the world top of the rocks become a haven of hermits in the XI century. Three centuries later, there arose the first monks community.
An amazing wonder of nature - giant stalagmites rock appeared as a gift to the monks seeking to get closer to God. Fantastic landscape of Thessaly, one of the most exciting places in the world, and the monasteries of Meteora - the most striking landmark.
The largest monastery complex in Greece consisted of the 24 monasteries located on the tops of cliffs that reach over 600 meters in height. Religious center flourished until the XVII century, now preserved only six active Orthodox monasteries.
History of the monastic community of Meteora starts in the IX century, when in the caves of the rocks settled hermits. With an increasing number of monks were built the first two of the monastery and Dupiani Stagi. Their base was the beginning of the monastic "state" Meteora.
By XVI century in Meteora, there were already more than twenty monasteries.
When in the XIII century began the invasion of Greece in the Crusader invaders and with neighboring states, the cliffs of Meteora are a reliable protection monks. In 1334 the monk Athanasius (Meteorsky) at 613 meters high rock founded the monastery of "Transfiguration" or "the Great Meteor", which became the main and most famous structure of the complex. According to legend, St. Athanasius gave these rocks the name "Meteora." But after a century monastic movement began to decline, and to date only four remained active monastery: "Transfiguration" (Great Meteor), "Barlaam," "St. Nicholas Anapavsasa", "Holy Trinity" and two female "Rusanov" (St. Barbara), "St. Stephen".
Now the rock monasteries open to the public, and the pillars of Meteora are connected to the "mainland" by the system of bridges and ladders. Each monastery has a good tarmac road and stone steps.
To the left of the road at the foot of Meteora monastery is a chapel of the Virgin and Dupiani (XII century).
The road ends at the walls of "The Great Meteora" - the largest and highest of the monasteries of Meteora. Previously used to log woven ladder. In 1922, the rock cut through the steep 115 steps.
Monastery of the Transfiguration
(Great Meteor). Monastery of the Transfiguration, also known as the Great Meteor, was founded by Athanasius Meteorskim about 1340.
Monastery of Transfiguration of Our Lord once called "Platis Cast" (large stone), but it Athanasius (later St. Athanasius Meteorsky) renamed it "Meteoron" (which hangs in the air) due to the fact that it was located on the highest of all the rocks around.
Next to a large plateau is rather small in its area of rock with the Monastery of Barlaam, the first occupant of which was an ascetic hermit Barlaam, who lived in the XIV century. In the middle of the XIV century a hermit Barlaam climbed the cliff and built a few cells and a small church, where he lived until his death in solitude.
Saint Trinity Monastery is located on a cliff at an altitude of 400 meters, overhanging the river bed Pinos.
Time to create the monastery or Rusanov Arsanov and origin of its name is not known. Brothers ieromonks Joasaph and Maxim, the monastery was built in Byzantine style kafolikon in place of the demolished church of the Transfiguration and restored the monastery. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsasa (Greek του Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά). The time base of the monastery is unknown, presumably, the first monks appeared on the rock in XII-XIII centuries. Foundation of the monastery is ascribed to a monk Nikanor, which had the name Anapavsas (Αναπαυσάς), who entered the name of the monastery.
On most mountains in Thessaly can climb stairs or steep trails. If you do not ace in mountaineering, please, these mountains, and limit yourself. If you still have the necessary skills to make this climb is quite real and certainly very interesting.
Hooks, ropes, and the instructor will happily give local residents.
Meteor monasteries are open to visitors and tourists believers
at fixed days and hours. Entrance is about 2 euros.
Transfiguration Monastery
(Great Meteor) Daily, except Tuesday. Visiting hours: 15.15-18.00 and 9.00-13:00
Monastery of Barlaam daily, except Fridays. Visiting hours: 15.15-18.00 and 9.00-13:00
Monastery of the Holy Trinity every day. Visiting hours from 9:00 to 18:00
Rusanov monastery (St. Barbara) daily. Visiting hours from 9:00 to 18:00
Monastery of St. Stephen's Daily, except Monday. Visiting hours: 15.15-18.00 and 9.00-13:00
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsasa daily, except Fridays. Visiting hours from 9:00 to 18:00
