Meteore

Continental Greece often taken into little consideration, in our point of view it has nothing to envy of its beautiful islands, indeed it is a riot of history, culture, wonderful places, mouth watering cuisine and a nature that is still luxuriant and always amazing.

In addition to the Parthenon in Athens, rather than the mythical Mycenae or the mysterious Delphi, the Meteora are a further tourist attraction that is worth including for a holiday in Greece. Nothing takes away from the fact of being able to combine days dedicated to the sea, even in this case you will only be spoiled for choice between its coast, or leaving and embarking for some island, there are plenty of solutions to please anyone.

The Meteors are a fantastic example of how man has been able to elevate nature without defacing it, also giving it an extra charm that resists over time. In a transcendental landscape with a science fiction feel, they are nothing more than majestic sandstone towers on top of which monasteries have been built. The first ascetics appeared in the 11th century, inhabiting the natural cavities that could only be reached with ropes and panic climbing and represented for them a safe refuge to defend themselves from the persecutions of the Turks and to find the isolation necessary for greater spirituality. The first monasteries, however, began in the 14th century, becoming precious and important centers of worship. At one time there were 24 of them, today only 6 are still active.

The meaning of the word Meteors is "suspended in the air" and this is precisely what you feel once you reach the area. There are various theories about its origins, the first being that in the beginning there was the sea and the sandstone formations are nothing more than stratified deposits of sediments. Due to the movements of the earth's crust, the sea retreated and disappeared, leaving only the rocky part. Another explanation, however, is attributed to a strong earthquake which radically changed the entire area, creating these stone towers.

All the monasteries have the same architectural characteristics, surrounded by a courtyard on which the monks' cells are located, a refectory, chapels for prayer and in the center the main church also called Katholikon. But let's look at them in a little more detail.

Let's start with the Grand Meteora Monastery located at a height of 613 meters. You can find it above the Christian Monastery of the Jesus Transfiguration and of all it is the largest and most visited. It was founded by Saint Athanasius in the fourteenth century and was very rich thanks to a large donation from the Serbian emperor Symeon Uros who left his favored social position to undertake the path of a monk. His church preserves wonderful frescoes of the Christians persecutions in the Roman period.

The Varlaam Monastery dates back to 1500 and is located about seven hundred meters from the Grand Meteora Monastery. Here there are still the ropes that were used until the 1930s to bring food to the monks. Don't miss its museum, the monumental painting of Alexander the Great and the frescoes of the late Byzantine period by Frangos Kastellanos famous icon painter.

The Agias Varvaras Monastery is perhaps the least famous despite its extraordinary beauty with its church with splendid stained glass windows and its enchanting frescoes dedicated to the resurrection and Jesus transfiguration. It is the easiest to reach via a small wooden bridge.

The Agios Nikolaos Monastery can be found near the Kastraki village and can be reached via stairs about a couple of kilometers from the town.Interesting works frescoed by Theophanes

Strelizas, Cretan master painter who influenced several Greek artists.We continue with the Aghia Triada Monastery (translated Holy Trinity) the most difficult to conquer, a steep and impressive descent from a vertical rock which will then take you up 150 steps. The effort is worth it, the view is something indescribable in words! Its 17th century church preserves priceless frescoes. A curiosity, scenes from the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only were filmed here in 1981.

Finally, the Agios Stefanos Monastery three hundred meters above the Kalambaka city dedicated to Saint Caralampo is considered among the most beautiful of the Meteora. Built in 1798, it leaves you amazed by its grandeur and is the most accessible one without steps but with a simple bridge that divides it from the entrance. In reality it already existed in 1545 with its small Catholicon which was then expanded to become the current church which houses the relics of its founder saints.It has two chapels, one dedicated to San Charalambos and one to Santo Stefano.The view from here is sublime, ranging from the Thessaly valley to the Pindus mountain range.

Now that you have a clue on what to find, know that the Meteors are beautiful at any time of the year. In winter, especially in February, the snow makes the landscape fairytale like, in summer the colors of the rocks change based on the sunlight giving postcard like scenarios, in short there is no specific moment, obviously coming out of season you can still enjoy themmoreover'. Unlike other places of worship with heavy relief such as Mount Athos for example, the Meteors are open to everyone without distinction of sex, but always pay attention to your clothing because you will always be in a place of faith.

If you want to discover even more of this beautiful Greece corner, in addition to the monasteries you can also take advantage of going to Adhrakhti, a rock obelisk, the Meteora geological heart, if you love climbing don't miss the Doupiani Rock where it was bornthe first church, and again to the Theopetra Cave inhabited for over 130,0000 years or finally Psaropetra one of the best panoramic points from which to take authorial photos.

Without a doubt it is better to have your own vehicle, specifically a car. You could land in Athens and from there travel up the whole of Continental Greece and even get to the Halkidiki Peninsula, it always depends on how much time you have available for your holidays in Greece 2024 for example. One solution is also to reach Thessaloniki, rent a car and go down to Athens, the choice is yours!

Take the road towards Kalambaka which also passes through Kastraki to reach any monastery and why not stop maybe even for a night and take advantage of seeing them at sunset or in the evening when the monasteries are illuminated and become truly magical places.