Meteora is one of Greece’s most renowned destinations, attracting visitors from around the world. There are countless reasons to visit this extraordinary place, as it offers a wealth of unique experiences. Many travelers are drawn to Meteora for its deep spiritual significance, where Orthodox Christianity seems to emanate from the very crevices of its towering rock formations. Others, however, simply wish to marvel at this geological masterpiece—an awe-inspiring natural wonder that has stood the test of time. Regardless of the reason for visiting, one thing is certain: Meteora leaves an unforgettable impression on every traveler.
I have often wondered which season is best to witness Meteora at its finest. As I browsed through photographs, I found myself torn between seeing the rock formations blanketed in pristine white snow or shrouded in mist, as if the sky itself were bowing to this sacred land. Ultimately, I decided I wanted to see these breathtaking cliffs bathed in the golden light of the Greek sun. Without a doubt, the experience exceeded my expectations.
Approaching Meteora, as you traverse the mountainous landscapes of Pindus and Chasia, the scenery offers a striking prelude to what lies ahead. Towering rock pillars rise majestically toward the sky, while the monasteries perched atop them appear as if suspended in time.
Meteora’s monastic history dates back to the end of the first millennium. Today, only six of the original 24 monasteries remain active, and since 1988, they have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The surviving monasteries include the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration (Great Meteoron), the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, and the Monastery of Varlaam—all home to male monastic communities. Meanwhile, the Monastery of Rousanou and the Monastery of St. Stephen house female monastic communities.
On this journey, we decided to visit the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Monastery of Varlaam.
Though perched on the edge of a steep rock, the Monastery of St. Stephen is the most accessible of all the monasteries. Words cannot fully capture the breathtaking view from its outer courtyard. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to admire the monastery’s magnificent wooden iconostasis, an exquisite work of craftsmanship created in 1814 by artisans from Metsovo.
At the Monastery of Varlaam, visitors can glimpse the hardships and dangers that monks faced in earlier times. A visit to the monastery’s tower reveals an old manually operated pulley system, known as the vrizoni—a net once used to hoist monks and essential supplies from great heights.
Words alone cannot convey the grandeur of Meteora. The images before our eyes pass too quickly, and time never seems enough to take in all the beauty that surrounds us. One visit is certainly not enough. How many times must one return to truly experience Meteora’s magnificence? The answer, perhaps, is something each traveler must discover for themselves.
