Monasteries of Meteora

Great Meteoron, the largest complex, was so named by its founder Athanasius in honor of the massive stone pillars seemingly suspended in the air, which were named Meteora. Until 1923, when roads were built to the monasteries and 143 stone steps were made for climbing, monks and visitors could get to the monasteries only by a suspended ladder or with the help of monks who lifted them in special nets. In the same way, all the building materials for the construction of monastic buildings, as well as food and other things necessary for monastic life, were taken up to the top of the cliffs.

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With the exception of Agios Stephanos (St. Stephen), which is fairly easily accessible, the monasteries are reached by climbing steep stone staircases, sometimes numbering over a hundred steps. The monks are accustomed to visitors, but wishing to preserve the sacred character of these places, require an appropriate appearance. Men, women and children must have their arms covered, at least up to the elbows; pants are mandatory for men, long skirts for women.

Kalambaka

At the foot of the very cliffs where the monasteries of Meteora are built, the tallest of which reach 300 meters, is the town of Kalambaka. After the Second World War it underwent extensive rebuilding. It is worth visiting the city cathedral, the construction of which partly utilized materials from ancient buildings. You can see 16th century frescoes and an amazing marble pulpit – it is actually an ambo, dating back, like the canopy, to the early Christian era.

The village of Kastraki, two kilometers from the town, surrounded by vineyards, is also worthy of your attention.

Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery

Behind Kastraki, on the left side of the road, is one of the smallest monasteries of Meteora. The equally tiny church is decorated with delightful early 16th century frescoes by Theophrastus of Crete, who also worked on Mount Athos. The Last Judgment, painted on the partition between the narthex and the choir, makes a lasting impression. From here you can walk to the monastery of Barlaam in about an hour and a half.

Roussanou Monastery (St. Barbara)

Also very small, this monastery (16th century) is perched on a narrow cliff, accessible by a suspension bridge. The location of the monastery is its highlight: the backdrop is an incredible ensemble of rocks carved by water, winds and temperature changes. It is perennially popular with mountaineering enthusiasts.

Varlaam Monastery

A little beforehand, the road branches off. The left one leads to the 16th century Varlaam Monastery, built on a narrow platform on top of a cliff. After walking up all 130 steps and stepping over the threshold, you’ll find yourself in the sun-drenched churchyard. Inside, be sure to check out the painting depicting a saint grieving over the vanity of the world in front of the skeleton of Alexander the Great. The amazing fresco of the Last Judgment on the wall opposite the choirs deserves special attention. Visitors can also tour the basement and the press room and get a glimpse of the operation of the hoist.

Monastery of the Great Meteor

At the same altitude as Varlaam is the Great Meteor, also called the Monastery of the Transfiguration, founded by the very first in the mid-14th century on the highest rock. To reach it, you have to descend 106 steps, then climb 192…. Despite frequent destruction, Great Meteor has preserved priceless evidence of Byzantine art, in particular the embroidered vestments of the priests and the austere frescoes. The Church of Transfiguration is famous for its wooden iconostasis. Nearby you can see the old dining room, kitchen, many rooms where various classes were held and an ossuary with skulls of deceased monks. The balcony offers a delightful view of the Varlaam complex.

Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity)

One of the most rarely visited and most secluded, the monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is built on top of a huge rock that from afar seems to float in the air. Although part of it was built in the 15th century, it lacks unity due to the attached modern buildings.

The monastery of Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen)

The last monastery you have to discover is also the most easily accessible thanks to the footbridge that connects it to the road. This place is famous for its view of Kalambaka and the Thessalian plain. The former dining hall has been turned into a museum, the most complete in Meteora, where icons, cult objects, painted manuscripts and embroideries are on display. The only church was built only in the 18th century.

Climbing monks

No one knows exactly how the first monks managed to climb the cliffs of Meteora. Incredible fairy tale stories make the imagination conjure up huge paper snakes, ropes tied to hawk’s feet, scaffolding construction, giant trees – anything with which the climb could have been accomplished…. It is possible that, long ago, shepherds and hunters had suggested to the monks ways known to them alone. Soon they began to use a rope ladder, which was later replaced by a net or some kind of basket, tied with a rope and lifted with a winch. It took about half an hour to reach the highest cliffs. If we are to believe the records of travelers of the old days, the rope was changed only after the old one broke! You can still see these structures, now powered by an electric hoist. Today, they are reserved for cargo and visitors prefer to climb on foot.

Chronology

• XI century: The first hermits settle in the mountain caves.
• Ok. 1370: The monk Athanasius founded Megalos Meteoro.
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• 1939-1945: Bombings during World War II cause heavy damage to the monasteries.
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• Beginning 1972: Reconstruction of all functional monasteries continues.
• 1988: The monasteries of Meteora are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.