Collaboration of Nature and Humanity: Breathtaking Landscapes with Hanging Monasteries

Editor's SummaryMeteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Greece. The unique landscapes, the history, and the culture make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Pros & Cons✅ Unique landscapes and architecture✅ Rich history and culture✅ Six active monasteries to visit✅ Guided tours available✅ Opportunity to learn about Greek Orthodox Christianity❌ Remote location, may require a long bus ride❌ Limited amenities and services in the area❌ Some monasteries may have restricted access❌ Weather can be unpredictable and hot during the summer❌ May require physical effort to climb stairs and walkIntroductionMany people planning to visit Greece have seen pictures of monasteries perched on cliffs in online ads or social media. I was one of them, and I was amazed by the unique landscape when I first saw it. How could monasteries be built on lifeless cliffs?

It was the famous Meteora in Greece.

My ExperienceI decided to visit Greece and chose Meteora as my one-day excursion destination. The tourist season in Greece was ending, and I was worried about finding an excursion. My hotel in the village of Kriopigi was booked, and it took about 4-5 hours to get to Meteora by bus.

I asked the hotel owner, Eleni, if I could book an excursion to the 'Hanging Monasteries.' She called a few companies and said it was possible, but the tour would be in Polish. That was great news for me, as I speak Polish fluently after living in Warsaw for many years.

The ExcursionThe bus left early, and we arrived at the meeting point near the highway with minimal waiting time. Our Polish guide was excellent, and she spoke English and German in addition to Polish. She told us about her studies in Greece and how she became a guide.

The historical information was presented in a way that kept us engaged and interested. The bus driver was also very skilled and made regular stops for sanitary breaks.

Of course, no excursion is complete without a visit to a souvenir shop!

The MonasteriesThe Meteora region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to six active monasteries, including the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Monastery of the Great Meteoron, the Monastery of the Holy Varlaam, the Monastery of the Holy Nicholas Anapausas, the Monastery of the Holy Stephen, and the Monastery of the Holy Varlaam (All Saints).

Each monastery has its own unique architecture and history. We visited the Monastery of the Holy Varlaam, which is known for its 16th-century frescoes by the famous artist Frank Catalano.

ConclusionMeteora is a breathtaking destination that should not be missed when visiting Greece. The unique landscapes, the history, and the culture make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Meteora?Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a region in Greece known for its unique landscapes and six active monasteries.

How many monasteries are there in Meteora?There are six active monasteries in Meteora, including the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Monastery of the Great Meteoron, the Monastery of the Holy Varlaam, the Monastery of the Holy Nicholas Anapausas, the Monastery of the Holy Stephen, and the Monastery of the Holy Varlaam (All Saints).

What is the best time to visit Meteora?The best time to visit Meteora is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.

Can I visit the monasteries on my own?Yes, you can visit the monasteries on your own, but it is recommended to take a guided tour to get the most out of your experience.

What are the opening hours of the monasteries?The opening hours of the monasteries vary, but most of them are open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.