Meteora

travel wonder in Greece

Why Meteora
in Greece is special

The isolated monasteries of Meteora in northern Greece are spectacularly perched on precipitous rock towers.

Tips & insights
on Meteora

In the 16th century there were about 20 Meteora monasteries. Today only a handful remain. One of them, Saint Stephan, is a nunnery.

Holly Trinity (Agia Triada) is the most photogenic monastery. See photo.

The monks constructed their monasteries on the hard-to-access rock pillars of Meteora for a practical reason. They wanted to be beyond the reach of the Ottoman army that was invading Greece.

The rock columns soar from 75 to 300 meters (250 to 1000 feet) above the plain.

Originally, humans were hoisted up in nets along with provisions. Or, they climbed a series of vertical ladders.

Today, you sometimes need to climb steep cliff-hewn steps or cross a narrow bridge spanning a deep chasm.

Meteroa is ancient Greek for "suspended in midair".

If possible, shun summer weekends. You will avoid the tour-bus crowds from Athens, Greece.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Greece

My Greek

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

My Greek

cuisine guide

I hope your Greece travel dreams come true - and that my

Meteora Monasteries page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications