Visiting the Great Meteora Monastery

The monasteries of Meteora are one of the most unique sites I have ever seen. Strange pointy cliffs thrust upward from the earth, while ‘normal hills’ surround the area. Meteora means “hanging from the air”, which is a real understatement.

A neighbor of the Great Meteora Monastery seen through the cliffs

It’s not known how the cliffs are formed. The locals tell me that this area was once a sea, but it still does not explain why the cliffs rise so steeply. It’s also not known how the first monks got to the top. Hermits climbed the steep cliffs to be closer to God. One of the monks called Athanasius founded the Church of Transfiguration and built the monastery Megalo Meteoro. It is now known as Great Meteora Monastery.

 
Great Meteora Monastery

You can visit about six monasteries. We stayed near Kalambaka to arrive early. You drive up to a parking place nearby, walk down to the base of the cliff and then climb up the stairs carved out of the side of the cliff. You will need at least a whole day to visit all the monasteries.

 
Entrance to Great Meteora Monastery

Small shrine halfway the stairs up to Great Meteora Monastery

Outside the Great Meteora Monastery 

The Great Meteora Monastery is one of the largest. You can still visit the various rooms like the authentic kitchen, wine cellar and the church.

Meteora Monastery Wine Cellar

 
Entrance to the Great Meteora Church

 
Kitchen

The view from the monasteries is breathtaking!

View from the Great Meteora Monastery

In the old days food, other supplies and even monks were hoisted up with a windlass, rope and baskets. The stairs, which the tourists use, were only made recently. That is the reason every monastery has a dedicated ‘transport room’.

Transportation Room Great Meteora Monastery