Hidden Monasteries on Stone Pillars

Meteora (Μετέωρα), established in the 11th century and flourishing between the 14th and 16th centuries, is renowned for its unique geological landscape and Eastern Orthodox monastic traditions. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. In the past, Meteora was a remote and secluded area, making it a sacred place for Christian monks seeking spiritual solitude. As early as the 11th century, Christian monks practiced asceticism in the caves of Meteora. By the 14th century, they began constructing monasteries atop the rock pillars to escape the threats posed by the Ottoman Empire. At its peak, Meteora housed 24 monasteries, of which only six remain preserved today. The monasteries of Meteora are perched atop natural sandstone pillars, surrounded by steep cliffs. In the past, ropes and baskets were the only means of accessing these monasteries. Times have changed, and now staircases and bridges have been built, making the monasteries more accessible—a blessing for visitors.