Meteora in Greece- a very interesting and unusual place, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Moreover, this is the rare case when an object combines both cultural values ​​and is a unique natural phenomenon.
Meteora is a place of amazing beauty, where emotions are born that are difficult to convey in words. Here, the creations of human hands are harmoniously combined with extraordinary natural beauty. There are many areas on our planet with beautiful mountains and breathtaking mountain scenery. There are a huge number of ancient temples on the globe. But there are very few places in the world when, at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level, on the tops of vertical monolithic rocks, ancient stone monasteries huddle on tiny platforms.

I want to warn you right away that on this page I will post information about Meteora in Greece, including practical information, and I will put the bulk of the photos on a separate page Meteora photo.
A - a detailed map of the Meteors themselves, where not only monasteries are marked, but also other objects: sketes, chapels, hermits' cells.

The word "meteoros" literally means "soaring high in the air". For the first time this epithet was used by the Monk Athanasius of Meteor when he climbed for the first time on a giant rock, where the Monastery of the Transfiguration was later built. Since then, this rocky massif of Thessaly and the monasteries on these rocks have been called Meteora. Because you can't be more precise.
The Greeks say "Met e ora" with the accent on the second syllable, and the letter "t" is pronounced very similar to the English voiceless interdental [θ].

Where are Meteora located? How to find Meteora on the map of Greece?

Meteors are located approximately in the center of mainland Greece in the mountains of Thessaly - 21 kilometers northwest of the city of Trikala (on some maps of Trikea), and rise from the north above the town of Kalambaka.
Roughly speaking, between Athens and Thessaloniki, find the city of Larisa on the map of Greece, now to the west (to the left) of it, find Trikala, aka Trikea, and a little higher and to the left, that is, in the direction of the northwest, there will be Kalambaka. The city of Kalambaka (Kalampaka, Kalabaka - different spellings in Russian are possible) is directly adjacent to the Meteor rock massif.

Geological origin of Meteora of Greece

Meteors are primarily a unique geological phenomenon. The rocks are located in the west of the Thessalian valley, between the mountain ranges of Pinda and Antichasion. The average height of the stone pillars is about 300 meters, but there are rocks higher than 600 meters. As the currently accepted scientific theory, Meteor rocks were formed from a cone-shaped mass of river stones, sand and silt accumulated in the river delta, which flowed into a prehistoric lake in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe modern city of Kalambaka. This lake 25 million years ago covered the entire Thessalian plain. Then, when the mountain ranges of Olympus and Ossa separated as a result of a tectonic fault, the lake found an outlet into the Aegean Sea, and the accumulated cone-shaped mass, under the influence of earthquakes, rains and winds, broke up into separate hills and rocks pitted with caves, which took on various forms.

I'll be honest. Looking at these huge monumental stone pillars rising into the sky, it is impossible to believe that they were formed from a mixture of river stones, sand and silt that accumulated in the river! Impossible!!!

A Brief History of the Meteora Monasteries

Already in the 11th century, the first hermits appeared in Meteora. First of all, they sought to find solitude and tranquility here, fleeing from the hustle and bustle of the world. Many niches, depressions and caves in Meteora are of natural origin. Inside or near a cave, the hermits built small huts and arranged places for prayers. These hermits and stylites were the founders of the desert monasticism in Meteora, which later became a holy place.

In the 12th century, the monastery of Dupiani was founded, it was located in the northwestern part of the meteor "stone forest". In the XIV-XV centuries, hermits already began to master the highest rocks, climbing them with the help of piles and ropes.How exactly the first hermits climbed the sheer cliffs - now one can only guess!Over time, about forty monasteries and sketes were built on the tops of the rocks, and Meteora became the second center after Athos monastic life in Greece.

In difficult times, first of the Turkish and then the German-Italian occupation of Greece, the Meteor monasteries sheltered within their walls those who came here for help and support. Crusaders, Serbs, Albanians, Turks tried to capture Thessaly, and the Second World War. The monasteries of Saints Meteora for centuries have been the guardians of national traditions, a refuge for the persecuted, breadwinners for freedom fighters, living sources of the Orthodox faith.

Until the second half of the 20th century, getting to the monasteries was extremely difficult. To get to the top of a steep cliff, one had to either climb a ladder or sit in a kind of wicker structure, like a basket, a rope net, which was hung on a rope by a hook and pulled up with a winch.
In the last 50 years, monumental restoration work has been carried out in many Meteora monasteries. Many frescoes and valuable relics have been restored and restored, the territory of the monasteries and their surroundings have been equipped. Now even wide steps have been carved into the rocks, it is convenient and not at all scary to walk.

There are currently six active Orthodox monasteries in Meteora:

1. Monastery of Saint Stephen;
2. Monastery of the Holy Trinity;
3. Monastery of Rusanu or Saint Barbara;
4. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavs;
5. Monastery of Varlaam (All Saints);
6. Monastery of the Great Meteor (or Megala Meteora, also known as the Transfiguration of the Lord or Metamorfosi).

Two monasteries for women, four for men.
The opening hours for visiting the monasteries vary depending on the season. The summer schedule is valid from April 1 to October 31, the winter schedule is from November 1 to March 31. On the pages of the monasteries (links above) the opening hours of each of them are indicated.

Also, four ancient monasteries, which are located in the rocks, but not on the tops of the mountains, have been restored in their original form. These are the Sretensky Monastery (the courtyard of the monastery of the Great Meteor), the monastery of St. Nicholas Badov and the monastery of St. Anthony Badov (the courtyard of the monastery of the Holy Trinity). About them too.
Adrakhti is also worthy of mention - an obelisk rock, which is called the heart of Meteor.

How many days does it take to see Meteors?

Theoretically, you can have time to see all six active monasteries for one day. In this case, you will need to come here on Saturday or Sunday, because on weekdays at least one of the monasteries will be closed. You can allocate half an hour to explore each monastery, and have time to visit them all in one day. It's better than not seeing Meteora at all. But I advise you to come here for two, or better for three days.

The best option, in my opinion, is to schedule two monasteries a day; in addition to visiting the active monasteries, it is interesting to walk around the "traditional village" of Kastraki and the town of Kalambaka, climb to Adrakhti, find the monasteries of St. Nicholas Badov and St. Anthony, perhaps even explore the cave monasteries.

If you are into rock climbing, I am sure you will be happy and even delighted to spend a week here, or maybe a month! I think Meteora is just a climbing paradise!
I heard that they might ban rock climbing in Meteora, but it seems they haven't banned it yet. Do not climb rocks with active monasteries.

Where to stay in Meteora

Kastraki is a tourist village with many hotels and guest houses. Kalambaka is a small town, where the tourist infrastructure is also very developed. But if you are looking for a hotel on booking, enter " Kalampaka"- search results will be for both Kastraki and Kalambaka.

How to get to Meteora Greece

To Meteora from Thessaloniki buses and trains run daily. Look for a bus or train to Kalambaka. From Athens, for sure, transport also runs regularly. But we recommend renting a car in Thessaloniki or Athens - on it you will not only get to Meteora at a convenient time for you, but by car you will easily move between the monasteries.

If you drive to Meteora from Thessaloniki, you will spend approximately 3 - 3.5 hours. Along the way, you will meet several toll roads, the first section will cost about 1.20 euros, the second - 2.40 euros. Total 3.60 euros, subject to travel by car.

As part of an organized excursions from the resorts of Halkidiki to Meteora it’s very easy to get there: on Kassandra and Sithonia, literally every tourist office offers appropriate excursion tours full day. You will be put on a bus almost before dawn, brought to Meteora in the morning, but it is unlikely that your tour program will include all six active monasteries, not to mention the fact that it is almost impossible to feel the spirit and atmosphere of these places as part of a tourist group. But it's better than nothing!

We visited all six active monasteries. Entrance costs the same everywhere: 3 euros per person, children are free. All monasteries have requirements for the appearance of visitors. Women are required to wear a skirt, but if you are wearing pants, you can take one of the wraparound skirts that hang at the entrance to each monastery. It can be seen that these skirts were specially made, they are clean and look new. A headscarf is desirable, but not as essential as a hem. It is also better if your shoulders are not exposed (in the case of both women and men). Men in shorts well above the knee will likely not be allowed in. Although I have seen how men in shorts, entering the territory Orthodox church, not at all embarrassed, wrap themselves in the same "public" skirts (it was in Vyritsa), so there is such an option, if that))

In all monasteries, part of the territory is closed to tourists. To be honest, it couldn't be otherwise. The territories open to tourists are daily filled with hundreds of people, organized groups sometimes follow one after another: while one group listens to the tour and crowds into the small room of the temple, another group is already waiting in the porch. What kind of calmness, prayer and concentration is there? Therefore, the monks have rooms in which tourists are not allowed, and only in the evening, after the closing of the monasteries, the monks become full owners of their cloisters.

Monks and nuns are not too eager to communicate with tourists, and this is also understandable. Of course, for them, such a tourist popularity of Meteors is primarily a hindrance. But, you know, it would be unfair to forbid people to see Meteora and visit the monasteries, even if their goal is just to gawk - such a wonderful and unique place. This place should belong to everyone.

But many tourists come here as pilgrims. And they, too, need silence and calmness in order to concentrate and offer up their prayers in these holy places for all Orthodox. When there are no tourist groups here?
I read that in the morning, immediately after the opening of the monasteries, tourist groups still do not have time to get here, and we tried to arrive at the monasteries in Meteora every time by 9 in the morning, but every time at 9 in the morning we encountered groups of tourists, albeit with one two. I'm sure there are fewer people in each of the monasteries before closing. Also, tourist groups are taken to some monasteries without fail (as, for example, to the monastery of the Great Meteor), and organized groups almost never reach somewhere (monastery of St. Nicholas).

We met a lot of Russian-speaking tourists in Meteora, but almost all of them were from Ukraine. For some reason, there are very few Russians traveling on their own. And it's weird. Moreover, the shrines in Meteora are Orthodox, and Greece is a popular tourist destination for Russians. And what can you see in a few hours, arriving by bus with an excursion from the Halkidiki peninsula?

In Meteora, between the monasteries, there are beautiful roads with excellent coverage, although not very wide, with many sharp and very sharp turns - be careful and drive wisely! These turns, descents and ascents gave us a lot of pleasure!
Just be careful, turtles love to crawl out onto the road! ;)

Is it possible to move in Meteora on foot or by public transport?
Can. A regular bus runs from Kalambaki through Kastraki several times a day to the Meteor monasteries. And, accordingly, back from the monasteries to Kalambaka. In the photo on the right - the schedule and route of the buses, the photo is enlarged, click on it. The leaf was not very whole, but I didn’t see another, sorry!
You can climb from Kalambaka on foot along the trail to the monastery of the Holy Trinity. In theory. But in the summer you don’t walk for a long time. The heat (no, hell!) starts shortly after 9 am. The heat subsides after 6 pm, but the monasteries close at 5 pm at the latest. Therefore, the best and most convenient option is a rented car. With air conditioning. Well, or a trip in the cool season. Renting a car is not scary, not difficult and not very expensive, more about how to rent a car in Thessaloniki -. You don’t need to take an SUV, any small car can handle the climbs in Meteora. You can park your car at all the monasteries, there are usually no problems with parking, and it is free.
The distances between the monasteries are 1-2 kilometers. By car it's 5 minutes, but walking is much longer.

How to navigate in Meteora? Easily. In any of the hotels, you will be readily given a free card, where everything is very clear and understandable. Don't worry about it.

Are the "floating" monasteries of Meteors easily accessible?
You have probably already seen photos of Meteors, and if you thought that it is not so easy to get to the monasteries from the nearest car park, then you are ... right)) The most easily accessible of the monasteries is the monastery of St. Stephen: you do not need to climb the stairs for a long time , you just need to cross the bridge. But to get to the rest of the monasteries, get ready to puff for 10-15 minutes. Unfortunately, it will be really difficult for the elderly and the disabled - not everyone will be able to get into most monasteries. It seemed to me that it was especially difficult to climb up to the monasteries of the Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas.

How much time to plan for each monastery. Since the area of ​​the monasteries is small, and part of the premises is closed to prying eyes, in most monasteries about 40-45 minutes will be more than enough for a normal tourist visit (not counting the ascent and descent). Monastery Megala Meteora (Transfiguration) - the largest, there are several levels, a number of small museum rooms, we stayed here for two hours.

Photography is prohibited inside the monasteries. Even without flash. All illustrations that you see on this and other pages are scanned from the booklet.

All monasteries have sources of drinking water where you can replenish your supplies. Have a bottle of drinking water with you, you will need it. The water in the springs is not very tasty, in my opinion, but it is pleasant to drink it in the heat.

All monasteries have at least one temple open to tourists. All temples are small and cozy. The altars are beautiful, many of them skillfully carved from wood. Worthy of attention are the frescoes, among which there are very ancient examples.

I noticed that the wall paintings in the Meteor monasteries have similar subjects. Almost all temples have paintings that tell about the Last Judgment. From the mouth of a huge monster resembling a dragon, a column of flame erupts, in which sinners burn. Nearby are depicted fish, lions, snakes, bears or animals unknown to science, whose mouths disproportionately stick out their arms, legs, less often the heads of sinners. Almost Bosch!
Also in several churches (more precisely, in the vestibules of churches) I drew attention to the scenes of the martyrdom of saints. Just some kind of encyclopedia of torture and executions in frescoes: quartering, tying to running horses, skinning, crushing under a stove, crushing under a special press, stretching on a rack and on a wheel, hanging, including upside down, crucifixion, walling up in stone , scourging, chopping off limbs and heads, stabbing with spears, and, of course, burning alive. But the atmosphere in the monasteries does not change for the worse))
As I understand it, these "horror stories" are the work of the famous Greek artist and icon painter Vlasius Tsotsonis, works of the last 10-15 years, that is, completely new. There are especially many of them, if I remember correctly, in Rusana.

There is a souvenir shop in each of the Meteor monasteries. But the assortment in each of them is slightly different. Even in the first monastery we visited, I liked the book, but I decided that I would buy it later in any other monastery. But it was not in the stores of other monasteries. I no longer wanted to go back to the first monastery and pay another 3 euros for admission just to buy a book. Therefore, if you like something, buy it: it is not a fact that you will find this thing in the store of another monastery.

The monastic communities of Saints Meteora today live a full life, are engaged in icon painting, gold embroidery, miniatures, making candles, incense and small icons, gardening and beekeeping, conduct research activities and receive tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

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Tatyana Solomatina

The Obvious and the Incredible: Meteora in Greece

guest post

Hello dear readers! I am with you again, but today I want to offer the debut article of a new author about the most interesting tourist attraction in Greece - Meteora, sheer cliffs, on top of which the unique monasteries of Meteora are built.

In the article you will get acquainted with the history of these places, find out how and when you can get there, how much you need to pay for entry, and also get a few practical advice visiting shrines.

I recommend the material to everyone, it seems to me that the story is interesting and informative. But I will not get ahead of myself, read for yourself, and write your impressions in the comments, it is important for us to know your opinion. So - Meteora Greece.

Seeing the title of a new article, perhaps someone will ask the question: “What are meteors and what do they eat with?”. For many, this word is associated with celestial bodies - meteorites. It sounds similar, but it's actually quite the opposite. Don't worry, the world is big and it's impossible to know everything. I propose to consider this issue in detail.

We will talk about an amazing place in the north of Greece, where the unearthly beauty of nature harmoniously united with the heights of human spirituality.
Meteora (make no mistake, the emphasis is on the second syllable) is a unique complex of medieval Orthodox monasteries located on the tops of a majestic ridge of almost sheer cliffs.

From Greek, Meteora - translates as "soaring in the sky." The name is surprisingly accurate, because that's what it looks like if you happen to be nearby in foggy weather. Imagine that the base of the mountains is hidden in a thick cloud of fog, and against the background of the blue sky only the tops of wild rocks are visible, from which bizarre buildings of ancient monasteries miraculously grow. A stunning spectacle will not leave anyone indifferent.

A bit of history

It is believed that hermits, attracted by the seclusion and inaccessibility of these mountains, settled in tiny caves as early as the 5th century. But the heyday of monastic life began only nine centuries later.

In 1334, the Athonite monk Athanasius, later Saint Athanasius of Meteora, left the Holy Mount Athos, plundered by the Venetians, and found shelter in Meteora. He devoted his life to uniting scattered sketes and organized a monastic community with strict rules, following the example of the monasteries of Athos.

It was the Monk Athanasius with 14 ascetics who began the incredible construction at that time (the height of the rocky plateau is 600 meters) - the monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord, now known as the Great Meteor.

During the heyday there were 24 monasteries. Now only six have survived - two women's and four men's. All active, they are often visited by pilgrims and tourists. From the rest, only mentions in the annals and hard-to-reach ruins remained.

On excursions, the seventh monastery is sometimes mentioned. But this is rather a secluded skete, where the only monk has been serving for more than 50 years. The locals say that in all these years he never left his cell and went down into the valley.

meteors today

Greece is full of surprises and Meteora is an amazing World Heritage Site. Let me tell you a little about each shrine.

Transfiguration convent or Megala Meteora(Great Meteor), indisputably the grander and, once, the richest of the Meteora monasteries, founded by St. Athanasius.

The main temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord originally had the usual form of a cross for Athos temples. Despite the fact that over the following centuries it was repeatedly updated and rebuilt, several scenes of the very first, original frescoes of the 14th century were preserved in it.

In addition to the frescoes, there is an amazingly beautiful gilded iconostasis of the 17th century, many icons and precious church utensils. The monastery refectory now houses a museum where priceless treasures and shrines are kept.

I would like to remind you that this is a functioning monastery, so part of the monastery is closed to tourists, because not all monks strive to communicate with guests. You can come here during the season - from 9.00 to 17.00 daily, except Tuesday; from 9.00 to 16.00 - in winter, day off - Tuesday, Wednesday.

Monastery of Varlaam or All Saints bears the name of its founder, the hermit Varlaam. A contemporary of St. Athanasius, the monk Varlaam, in search of solitude, climbed a rock and never left it until his death. After himself, he left a modest skete and a tiny chapel.

Only 150 years later, the ascetics came to restore the chapel and founded the monastery of All Saints. Unfortunately this place is closed now. But on the other hand, in the main temple of the monastery, tourists can see the stunning frescoes of Franco Catelano, unique mosaics made of mother-of-pearl and ivory.

The rebuilt altar houses a museum of monastic values. The second museum, located in the former refectory, is known for its collection of the rarest handwritten texts.
Works from 9.00 to 16.00. Weekends: in winter - Thursday, Friday, and in summer on Thursday.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas(Comforter) is closer than all other monasteries, just a few minutes walk from the village of Kastraki. It occupies the smallest rock in terms of area, therefore it is built upwards in several levels and is crowned with a tiny church of John the Baptist.

Almost the entire twentieth century, the monastery was in disrepair. His valuables and collection of manuscripts were transferred to other monasteries. But the magnificent frescoes of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas have been preserved here.

For tourists it is open from 9.00 to 15.30 in the season and until 14.00 in winter, except Friday.

Monastery of Saint Barbara, better known as Rusanu - female. He is very small and nestled on a low rock. Local nuns, despite the lack of space, set up a tiny and harmonious garden with many different flowers.

Unlike other monasteries, whose ministers do not seek to communicate with tourists, the local nuns are very hospitable and willing to make contact with guests.

You can visit Rusana from 9.00 to 16.00 in summer and from 9.00 to 14.00 in winter. Day off on Wednesdays.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity is one of the most difficult to access. Placed on a huge mountain of amazing shape (height 400 meters), it seems to float in the air.

140 steep steps carved into the rock lead to the entrance to the monastery. But having overcome the rise, you will not regret it for a second! So incredible and fantastic view will open on the surroundings.

Available for visitors from 9.00 to 17.00 in summer, except Thursday, from 10.00 to 16.00 in winter, day off - Wednesday, Thursday.

Monastery of Saint Stephen- the second convent of Meteor, the most prosperous and extensive in area. Having survived desolation in the 20th century, it managed to recover and expand.

This is the only shrine, the path to which does not have to overcome steep stairs. A convenient pedestrian bridge leads from the road with parking to the gate.
The monastery is female, therefore, like Rusana, it is favorably distinguished by an abundance of greenery and flowers.

Here, among other relics, is one of the most revered icons - the icon of Our Lady of Portaitissa. According to local legend, it is the oldest of the existing ones.

Open for visits from 9.00 to 17.00 in summer and from 9.30 to 17.00 in winter. Please note that there is a break from 13.00 to 15.00. Closed - on Mondays.

Location

Meteora is located 300 kilometers north of Athens and about 200 kilometers from Thessaloniki in the mountains of Thessaly.

The closest large settlement to Meteora is the town of Kalambaki. It sprawled right at the foot of the rocks. Small and very cozy, if not for the crowds of tourists with backpacks and a string of sightseeing buses.

There are quite decent hotels and guest houses. Those of you who decide that one day is not enough for him to get acquainted with all the beauties will always be able to choose an overnight stay to his liking.

The city has a well-developed infrastructure, many different cafes, taverns and restaurants. There are a lot of souvenir shops, though with exorbitant prices.

Here is the railway and bus stations, which are visited all year round by those wishing to take a look at Meteora.

Even closer to the foot of the rocks is the village of Kastraki. There is also a well-established tourism business. There are hotels to spend the night and cafes to eat.

How to get there?

The most convenient and easiest way, of course, is to purchase a ready-made excursion there. But for those who prefer to travel on their own, love freedom, or just love challenges, there are several ways to get to Meteora.

The cheapest option is the train. There is a direct train from directly to Kalambaka twice a day. The journey will take approximately five hours. The journey with a change, of course, is longer and more expensive.

There is no direct train route from Thessaloniki, so you will have to get there with a change in Paleofarsalos.

There is no direct bus service to Kalambaka from Athens and Thessaloniki. Therefore, your bus route will be with a change in Trikala.

The road to Meteora by car will take approximately 3 hours from Thessaloniki, and just over 4 hours from Athens.

From Kalambaka to Kastraki about two kilometers, about 20 minutes on foot. If you do not want to walk, then for only 1.50 euros, a bus runs directly from the center of Kalambaka on this route (please check the schedule on the spot).

From Kastraki it is better to start climbing to the monasteries of St. Nicholas Anapavsas, Great Meteor, Varlaam and St. Barbara.

A good two-lane road leads to the monasteries, there are convenient parking lots, so it is comfortable for those who travel by car.

And finally, a few tips. I hope they help make your visit to Meteora more enjoyable and hassle-free.

1. Be sure to check the entire travel schedule immediately before departure. Those who have visited Greece more than once know how Greeks love various strikes, especially in transport. I already wrote above, all monasteries have their own work schedule. Be sure to check with him again when planning your visit to each retreat.
2. All monasteries are free to visit. The cost is 3 euros per person.
3. Be sure to wear comfortable lightweight shoes. Directly to the monasteries you will have to climb rather steep stairs carved into the rocks. So forget about flip flops or Louboutins.
4. Stock up on bottled drinking water. Although each monastery has its own source, many of our compatriots did not like the local water. Unlike foreigners who drink it with pleasure and even take it with them.
5. Photography inside all the monasteries is prohibited. Better spend this time contemplating the magnificence surrounding you.
   It is also forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol - correctly calculate your strength.
6. All the shrines of Meteor are active monasteries of the Greek Orthodox Church. This imposes a number of obligations on visitors. It is better for men to wear trousers, and for women - a skirt below the knees. True, on the spot you can ask for a special skirt with ties.
7. Open shoulders are strictly not allowed, both for women and for men.
8. Headscarf on the visitor's head is approved, but not required.

The Greek and Russian churches are Sister Churches, therefore all the sacraments and ceremonies performed in the temples of Meteor are recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church. For this reason, Meteora is visited not only by curious tourists, but also by pilgrims from Russia, Ukraine and other Orthodox countries. If you are a believer, then this trip can acquire a deep spiritual component for you.

It seems like he didn't forget anything. Thank you for reading to the end, I hope that the information was useful to you.

Dear readers! Fifteen years ago, while on a business trip, I managed to visit one of the monasteries. But I still keep memories of this spiritual place.
Of course, I want to return there, especially since so many years have passed and I have not seen everything, but there is no such possibility yet. But there is always something to strive for. As they say: "There would be a desire, but there will be a reason."

Leave comments, share the article on social networks, subscribe to blog updates, there is still a lot of interesting material ahead.

And now I say goodbye.

Tatyana Solomatina

Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations. This is the most visited country in Europe, it attracts tourists with its snow-white clean beaches, clear sea, myths and legends. The whole territory of Greece is a unique museum, because every street, every house is filled with the spirit of eternity and antiquity. Even in the most ordinary village you can find some architectural monument, ancient ruins and the remains of a fortress. Greece, Meteora in particular, has a lot of wealth, temples keep ancient frescoes, icons, manuscripts of the Middle Ages and much more.

Modern Hellas: reviews

May is considered the best time to relax in Greece, when there is still no hot heat, but you can already splash in the warm sea. And the influx of tourists at this time is not very large.

The lands of Greece are located on islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape of the country is diverse - these are high mountain ranges, ridges with the highest point the famous mountain of the gods - Olympus. The coastline is indented with a lacy border, beautifully decorating the sea. Tourists claim that such an unusual ornateness gives the country an indescribable charm and makes it unique in the Mediterranean region. Many people know that Meteora is Greece. Where exactly they are, every resident knows - this is the most unique a natural phenomenon, which is closely intertwined with the man-made creations of man.

Climate

The natural conditions of Greece are perfect for holidays all year round. The climate in this area is subtropical, summers are always dry and hot, and winters usually have a large amount of precipitation. Mostly during the year there is sunny clear weather.

Travelers say that the most beautiful months- April and May, at this time all the numerous cities and villages are buried in lush greenery. During this period, it is best to travel to historical places; in the summer season, you should give preference to relaxing on the beaches. The air, as a rule, warms up to +32 degrees, the temperature of sea water is from 27 to 29 degrees. On the islands, it will be much easier to endure the summer heat thanks to the breeze.

Sights of Greece: reviews

Are you going to see Meteora? Greece, whose photo is mesmerizing, is a country that is definitely worth a visit. People vacationing here say that even if you come every year, you still won't have enough time to see all the sights of this country - absolutely everything here has its own legend, its own history.

If you are on vacation in Athens, you simply must see the Acropolis. You can walk around this museum for more than one hour, and what a stunning view opens from the Acropolis to Athens! After all, this historical place is located at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level. Tourists are sure that visiting Athens and not visiting the Acropolis is simply unthinkable.

Parthenon

Right there, in the Athenian Acropolis, is the famous ancient Greek temple Parthenon, which was created in honor of the goddess Athena. The construction of this unique monument of antiquity dates back to 447 BC. Such accuracy was established thanks to marble tablets found during excavations.

The mythical temple is a rectangular structure decorated with columns. Once inside it was a twelve-meter statue of Athena, which was made of gold and ivory. Unfortunately, the monument did not survive to this day, and is known only from descriptions, but, nevertheless, it is worth visiting this sophisticated and unique temple.

Olymp: reviews

If you are in Greece, then be sure to take a fabulous trip to Mount Olympus. This is a center of tourism, a favorite place for pilgrimage for climbers. Travelers claim that when approaching the mountain, the imagination draws mythical pictures - it seems that Zeus himself is watching you somewhere in the clouds. Climbing to the top, you will find yourself in an audience with the god of Heaven.

Olympus is waiting for its tourists at any time of the year. If you decide to conquer the mountain during the warm season, you can see stunning green landscapes. A couple more steps, and that's it, the end of civilization, there is only nature around, which beckons and fascinates with its views.

Long creepers, beautiful waterfalls, unusual plants, animals curiously looking at their guests, mountain streams surprise with their crystal clean water. In winter, outdoor enthusiasts can safely take equipment and go skiing to Olympus. There are several modern tourist bases where you can stay, if necessary, rent the necessary equipment. Snow-covered slopes will give you an unforgettable vacation.

Meteora

The monasteries of Meteora are a geological phenomenon. Greece is a country rich in significant places. This is one of the famous attractions, the eighth wonder of the world. Rocks appeared on the mainland of Greece many millions of years ago, back in those days when this territory was the sea.

The monasteries of Meteora (Greece) are located near Athens. This extraordinary complex is perched on the banks of the Piños River and is the heart of Orthodoxy. Under influence natural conditions here mountain ranges gradually formed, as if frozen in the air.

Almost all tourists love Greece. Meteors have high cliffs, the average height of which is about three hundred meters, some reach up to six hundred meters. Modern conquerors of mountain peaks do not risk climbing round steep mountain ranges, but if you raise your head and look at the tops of the rocks, you will notice that almost every stone pillar adorns the temple.

The first temples that Greece is notable for, Meteora (this is a whole monastic complex), date back to the tenth century. Traces of the presence of the first man here belong to the records of the first millennium.

There are pillars to the top of which are narrow winding paths. Having conquered them, you can appreciate the beauty of the valley, its picturesque landscapes from a height. According to legend, it is known that the first hermit monks lived here in natural caves as early as the ninth century.

Deserves the attention of tourists Greece, Holy Meteora. It is difficult to imagine the construction of these temples in such extreme conditions, how much work and effort it took for this. Literally before 1920, outsiders were forbidden to enter the monasteries. Provisions, products were transferred to the monks by local residents with the help of ropes.

The hermits guarded their territory and defended it in every possible way, but still they did not manage to save all the temples. Many were destroyed - out of twenty-four, six remained.

Church of St. Nicholas

The monastery of St. Nicholas (Greece, Meteora) has a unique design, which keeps stunning frescoes dating back to the sixteenth century. This small temple was founded in the fourteenth century. To visit it, you need to overcome the relatively "convenient" stairs. Inside the monastery is painted by the famous Greek monk, artist Theophanes of Crete.

The small territory of the occupied rock forced the monks to build the temple and its buildings (cells, utility rooms) on several levels, which created the impression of a labyrinth.

What to see in the "maze"?

The first level is occupied by the chapel named after St. Anthony, where there is a crypt with various relics. The altar is only four square meters in size, which allows only one monk to take a seat.

The second one is occupied by the temple itself, which has no windows in the dome, since the next level begins there, in which are located: the dining room, the crypt for the relics and the chapel of St. John.

If Greece has opened its arms for you, Meteora, local residents will tell you how to get to famous sights. Tourists usually travel by train, bus or car. First you need to get from Athens to Kalambaki, and from here, from the station located next to the fountain, there are buses to the village of Kastraki. They bring tourists to the walls of the main monastery - the Transfiguration of Christ.

Rules for visiting monasteries

If you decide to visit all six temples, then you should consider that it will be impossible to do this in one day. You will have to check into local hotels in the nearby towns of Kalambaki or Kastraki.

If you decide to travel to temples on steep cliffs, you will not regret it, because this extraordinary landscape enchants its visitors. Meteora, Greece, reviews of tourists are the most enthusiastic, no one has remained indifferent yet.

The entrance fee to each monastery will cost you two euros. It should be remembered that filming and taking photos on the territory of the temples is prohibited. But Meteora, Greece, reviews are only positive.

There are also special requirements for appearance: in order to enter the temple, your clothes must cover your arms and legs, women are traditionally required to visit the sacred monastery with their heads covered, only in a skirt or dress, entry in trousers is strictly prohibited. In addition, shoes must also be closed.

Greece rightfully deserves laudatory reviews. Meteora is a unique creation that makes one admire its power and beauty, fantastic incomprehensibility, unreality.

Crete

If your vacation is supposed to be on the island of Crete, then it will be interesting to visit one of the main attractions - the Samaria Gorge. It is located in the western part of the island and is the longest in Europe - its length is 18 kilometers.

Samaria Gorge is national park with rich flora and fauna. Here you can look at the most amazing, unique plants, marvel at exotic animals. In this natural corner, everything is under protection. Having been in the park, you will not be able to take even the smallest flower out of it.

It will take about eight hours to walk through the gorge - it all depends on the speed of your movement. The average time is about six hours, including stops for photos against the backdrop of extraordinary nature. If you feel that you are not ready for such loads, tour operators can offer you a short way through this amazing place.

Holidays in Greece will be varied and interesting. You will not be bored, everything here is filled with myths, legends and history. Touch the world of antiquity and your journey will be simply incredible. Almost all travel lovers dream of seeing Meteora (Greece). Photos show all the beauty, but the landscapes seen with your own eyes evoke indescribable emotions.

Meteora(from Greek μετέωρα translates as “floating in the air”) - these are rocks in Greece, breathtaking in their beauty, on the tops of which one of the main Greek shrines is located - the monasteries of Meteora. The beauty of these unusually shaped mountains literally takes your breath away - it seems that you are in Avatar or another fantasy world.

Local gorges and picturesque villages, views of the Pineos River and the Pinda Mountains are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. Today, Meteora (or, as the Greeks themselves say, Meteora) is recognized as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.

How and why did rocks of such an unusual shape appear? This rather rare geological phenomenon formed more than 25 million years ago. Then Meteora was the rocky bottom of the prehistoric sea. As a result of the long exposure to water, wind and temperature changes, stone pillars arose, as if suspended in the air.

The peaks of Meteora, rising above the gorges, crown the famous monasteries. The impregnable peaks of Meteora (their height is 600 meters above sea level) have become natural sanctuary for hermits and ascetics even before the tenth century. Hermits settled in caves cut off from the world; compassionate local peasants brought bread and water to them, lifting food on ropes.

A few centuries later (in the 14th century), the very first monastic communities arose here. Six of them are currently operating - these are the famous monasteries of Meteora.

Today, the majestic monasteries of Meteora attract pilgrims and travelers from all over the world, since now it is not difficult to get to the Meteora monasteries. Previously, visitors could climb up to the monasteries only with the help of the monks themselves and a complex system of baskets, ropes, carts and horse-drawn power.

As a rule, tourists travel to Meteora from two points in Greece - Athens in the south and Thessaloniki in the north.

How to get to Meteora from Athens (350 km):

01 Train- the most economical option. Twice a day, there is a direct train from Larissa Central Station in Athens to Kalambaka Station at the foot of Meteora. Travel time is almost 5 hours, the ticket price when buying on the website is 14 euros. See schedule and prices. Other trains also leave every hour, but not direct, with a change at Paleofarsalos station. Important! Greeks love to strike, so when you arrive at the station, you may find that there are no trains running today. See the schedule of railway strikes

02 Bus. Buses leave for Kalambaka from Athens from the Liosion bus station, terminal B. The duration of the trip is about 4.5 hours. There is no direct flight, so every day all buses go through Trikala, where you need to make a transfer. The ticket is cheaper to take in both directions at once. then it will cost 48 euros, if separately, it will come out more expensive. You can find the bus timetable.

03 Automobile. By car from Athens can be reached in 4 hours. Route: Athens - Lamia (highway E75) - Domokos - Karditsa - Trikala - Kalambaka (total 350 km). The roads in Greece are good.

How to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki (238 km):

01 Train. Trains depart daily from the railway station. Most of the Thessaloniki-Kalambaka routes will again change at Paleofarsalos. See schedule and prices. Ticket prices start from 11.6 euros.

02 Buses- depart from the Macedonia bus station and go the same way with a change in Trikala. Schedule, a round-trip ticket will cost 32.5 euros.

03 Automobile. Through Larissa (238 km): here most of the route passes through the Thessaloniki-Athens highway (toll road E75). Starting from Thessaloniki, you need to pass Katerini (on the left), Olympus (it will be on the right), then turn to Trikala at the signs in the Larissa district (E92). Further 20 km from Trikala to the village of Kalambaka. Via Grevena (240 km): On the highway Egnatia (E90), leaving Thessaloniki, you need to pass Veria (it will be on the right) and Kozani. After Grevena, you will see an exit from the highway to a regular road, which will turn into a mountain serpentine (about 40 km). The road is two-lane, the asphalt is good, there are no steep descents and ascents.

The villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki on the map. The blue mark is the railway station in Kalambaka, where trains arrive from Athens and Thessaloniki.

Kalambaka

The first settlement that meets the traveler in Meteora is Kalambaka. Kalambaka is a small and cozy Thessalian town. There are taverns and restaurants where you can have a bite to eat, as well as a fairly decent selection of hotels and guest houses. Exactly in Kalambaka there is a railway station and the terminal where Athens-Kalambaka trains arrive and buses from Trikala arrive. From Kalambaka it is convenient to get to the monasteries of Agia Trias and Agios Stefanos (by bus or on foot), as the town is located right at the foot of Meteora. By the way, this village is mentioned even in Homer's Iliad - under the name of Itomi.

Kastraki

Kastraki is a traditional village 2 km from Kalambaka. It is easy to get to the Meteor monasteries from Kastraki - from here it is convenient to start climbing to the monastery of St. Nicholas and beyond. From Kalambaka to Kastraki, the walk will take 15 minutes, the road rises slightly, so it will not be easy to do with suitcases. It is better to take the Kalambaka-Kastraki bus. The current bus schedule can be obtained from the Kalambaka Tourist Office, near the central square. If you are by car and are not going to hike or wait for a bus, then where to stop, in this case, does not matter. As a rule, climbing and visiting Meteor monasteries start from Kastraki, as this village is located closer to the rocks and monasteries. A bus runs from Kalambaki through Kastraki twice a day before lunch, that is, if you are without a car, this is not a problem. You can also take a taxi.

As stated earlier, there are six active monasteries of Meteor. All of them are marked on the map.

How to get to the Meteora Monasteries by bus: From Kalambaki through Kastraki at 9 and 11 in the morning there is a bus to the Megalo Meteoro monastery and beyond. The cost of the bus to Meteora is 1.40 euros. You can also see the panoramic platform in Meteora with a beautiful view of all the monasteries - Psaropetra Panorama. If you get to the panoramic platform on foot, then you will have to walk along the highway, about 20 minutes from the Meteor monasteries. You can drive by car.

• Transfiguration Monastery / Great Meteor (Μegalo Meteoro). The monastery is located on an impressive rock - 613 m above sea level. The temple contains many valuable icons of the 14th and 16th centuries. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 17.00, except Tuesday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 15.00, except Tuesday and Wednesday. This is the main bus stop.

• Monastery of Varlaam (Varlaam) / All Saints. Located next to Μegalo Meteoro, within walking distance. According to the legend, in 1350, the monk Varlaam climbed this rock and founded several cells and a small church of the Three Hierarchs here - they became the basis of the future monastery. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 16.00, except Thursday and Friday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 15.00, except Friday.
• Monastery of Saint Barbara / Roussanou- a picturesque nunnery, is also within walking distance of the two above. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 17.45, except Wednesday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 14.00, except Wednesday.

These three Meteora monasteries can easily be combined into one bus ride and a walk upstairs from one to the other. Then - again to the bus stop, from where, having previously learned the schedule from the driver, you can take the bus to two more monasteries in Meteora, Agia Trias and Agios Stefanos.

• Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Agia Trias). All building materials were lifted onto the rock with winches and ropes for seventy years! 140 steps carved into the rock lead to an interesting chapel. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 10.00 - 17.00, except Wednesday and Thursday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 10.00 - 16.00, except Wednesday and Thursday.
• Monastery of St. Stephen (female) (Agios Stefanos). Of the entire Meteor monastery complex, it is the most easily accessible in terms of ascent: a bridge 8 meters long leads to it. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 13.30 and 15.30 - 17.30, except Mondays. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.30 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.00, except Monday.
• And the last one, located on the edge, Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas (Agios Nikolaos Anpafsas). The monastery is known for its unusual construction and magnificent frescoes of the 16th century. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 15.30, except Friday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 14.00, except Friday.

Other things to do in Meteora

If you plan to stay in Meteora for more than one day, you will certainly be interested in a fairly wide selection of excursions that can be booked immediately on the spot. For those who love nature and hiking: there are walking tours of completely different themes. Climbing at dawn - in the morning, visiting panoramic platforms for admiring the setting sun - in the evening. There are great opportunities for rock climbing - Meteora is a famous rock climbing center and every experienced climber dreams of visiting here. Mountain bike tours are organized. Thrill-seekers can go rafting down the river Aspropotamos with a tour group. You can make a group ascent to the rock of Agia or the rock of the Holy Spirit, or go on a hiking tour to the mountain of the gods - Olympus.

The surroundings of Meteora will enchant you with their unique color, provincial home comfort and delicious Greek cuisine. Both villages in Meteora - Kalambaka and Kastraki - are famous for their meat dishes, which can be enjoyed grilled and skewered. Lamb ribs, pork kebab and homemade sausages are served with fragrant homemade wine and tsipuro (aniseed vodka). The family traditions of four generations of chefs are reflected in the menu of the Meteora restaurant, which is always popular with visitors and locals. Right in the kitchen you can choose your favorite dishes. One of the best places to try traditional Greek cuisine is the Gardenia tavern in Kastraki. Greek moussaka is worth a try at Panellinio Restaurant. Try spatula (a kind of pudding), homemade jams, Greek halva, and delicious liqueurs at the Zoomserie patisserie in Kalambaka. There are many options for evening entertainment: cafes, bars, pubs and more.

Photo materials: visitmeteora.travel

I have never seen anything like this amazing place either in Greece or in other countries. The monasteries of Meteora are a place in which Nature has invested power and beauty, and people, enjoying a generous gift, strengthen the power of their spirit.

Meteora is a ridge of high, rocks, shaped like fingers pointing to the sky. Numerous photographs, even very beautiful ones, do not convey the beauty and grandeur of this place. When viewed from the ground, the size and shape of the mountains are striking.

Amazing creations of human hands, or rather, the spirit, are visible on inaccessible rocks. These are monasteries. Now you can climb them along the road. By car, tour bus or on foot. And once the monks climbed to their cells in the only possible way - by rope.

With the help of a rope and a net, they lifted stones, beams, building materials. For decades, they painstakingly and diligently erected fortifications, strengthening their spirit. A visit to the monasteries on Mount Meteora is a must!

1. Firstly, the monasteries of Meteora and the stairs carved into the rocks, all this centuries-old work changes the idea of ​​monks and monasticism in general.
2. Secondly, the place fills those who are here with strength.
3. Thirdly, it is incredibly beautiful. From the mountains, from the monasteries, a stunning view of the Thessalian plain opens up.

39.709440 , 21.639150

39.713040 , 21.635607

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas: 39.723849 , 21.624752

Monastery Varlaam: 39.725046 , 21.630085

Rusanu Monastery or Saint Barbara Monastery: 39.721679 , 21.632069

Monastery Great Meteor (Transfiguration): 39.726453 , 21.626544

And this is a map of Meteor 2 with paths, campsites, a railway station.

In the previous article, we talked about the budget travel option, when you can rent not a hotel, but stay at.

On this map you see campsites - there are a variety of opportunities for tourists on Meteora. We stayed at the hotel odyssey, conveniently located, inexpensive, clean. Near which begins one of the roads and paths leading to the monasteries.

Friends, now we are in Telegram: our channel about Europe, our channel about Asia. Welcome)

Active monasteries of Meteora

One of the largest monastic complexes in Greece, famous primarily for its unique location on the tops of the rocks.

On sheer cliffs, 600-800 meters high, formed more than 60 million years ago on the flat surface of the Thessalian plain, as a result of the action of water, wind and temperature changes, the resulting stone pillars, as it were, hovering in the air, for which they received the name Meteora (from Greek μετέωρα - “soaring in the air”), in the 10th century, strong-willed hermits founded monasteries to lead a spiritual life detached from worldly concerns.

In total, there were 24 such monasteries isolated from worldly settlements.
Currently there are 6 active.

4 men's: Great Meteor (Transfiguration), Varlaam, St. Nicholas Anapavsas, Holy Trinity monasteries.
2 - female: Rusanu monasteries or the monastery of St. Barbara, St. Stephen.

Other monasteries that existed turned into ruins, and some completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.
All monasteries were isolated from the outside world, communicating with it only when necessary, then hanging out a suspended ladder (for lifting building materials, food) or on a special grid to move the monks themselves, if necessary.

Meteors amaze with their beauty, they influence with the powerful energy of prayed, holy places and reflect with their incarnation the strength of people leading the spiritual path.

In this slideshow you can see photos of Meteora monasteries:

Monastery of the Holy Trinity on Meteora

The rock on which it stands monastery The Holy Trinity (Greek Μονή Αγίας Τριάδος), is the most impressive view of Meteora: a cliff 400 meters high, at the foot in the depths lies the bed of the Pinhos River, and above it are the peaks of the Pindos mountain range overgrown with forests.

There is no exact data on the foundation of the monastery; it was built somewhere between 1458 and 1476.
In 1925, under Abbot Nikandre, 140 steps were cut through the rock, which, following the path at the foot of the rock, lead to the monastery.

Rusanu Monastery (Saint Barbara)

Rusanu Monastery (Saint Barbara)

The time of the creation of the monastery Rusanu (Greek Μονή Ρουσάνου) or Arsani (Greek Αρσάνη) and the origin of its name are not known for certain. According to one version, the founder of the monastery was a certain Rusanos, a native of the town of Rosana. According to other unconfirmed sources, the monastery was founded in 1288 by hieromonks Nikodim and Benidikt.

In 1940 the monastery fell into decay and lost its inhabitants. Since 1950, for 20 years, Elder Eusevia from the neighboring village of Kastraki single-handedly preserved the three-story building of the monastery, which is currently functioning as a nunnery in a renovated form, which received its second name in honor of St. Barbara.

Courtyard in Rusanu Monastery

Monastery of Varlaam (All Saints)

Monastery of Varlaam (Greek Μονή Βαρλαάμ) or All Saints (Greek Αγίων Πάντων).

In the middle of the XIV century, the hermit Varlaam climbed a rock and erected several cells and a small church, which he dedicated to the Three Hierarchs. There he lived until the end of his days in complete solitude. After his death, all the premises remained uninhabited for many years.

In 1518, two brothers, monks Nektariy and Feofan, who came from a noble family of Apsarads from the city of Yanina, who had previously lived for seven years on the pillar of the Forerunner in the Transfiguration Monastery (Great Meteor), climbed a rock with the sole purpose of restoring the Church of the Three Hierarchs, which had turned into ruins, built by Varlaam. However, after the restoration of the church, the brothers remained on the rock and gradually other monks joined them, the number of which reached 30 by the middle of the 16th century.

St. Stephen's Monastery (Greek: Αγίου Στεφάνου) is the richest of the meteor monasteries. It is located on a huge rock overlooking the city of Kalambaka. The entrance to the monastery is the most accessible and is carried out through a single footbridge 8 meters long.

On the stone arch over the entrance to the monastery, until 1927, a bricked-up slab with the inscription “6770. Jeremiah”, which means that a certain hermit named Jeremiah lived on this rock already in 6770 from the creation of the world, that is, in 1192 from the birth of Christ. Presumably, this hermit and other monks built several cells here, a cistern to collect rainwater and built a small chapel of St. Stephen. The foundation of the monastery itself dates back to the end of the 14th century. It was built by Anatoly Katakuzinos and Philotheus of Siatin, whose images are depicted in a small church on the territory of the monastery.

At the end of the 19th century, the monastery was inhabited by 31 monks, but by 1960 it was almost empty and in 1961 it was converted into a convent, and today it is flourishing.

Monastery of St. Stephen. garden

The monastery refectory is used for the exposition of monastic relics, the most valuable of which include: paten with a chalice (1631); many portable icons of the 17th-18th centuries; manuscript Divine Liturgy 1404, written by one of the founders of the monastery.

Monastery of Saint Nicholas

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas (Greek του Αγίου Νικολάου Αναπαυσά), also called Joyful (Greek Άσμενος). The time of foundation of the monastery is not exactly known, presumably, the first monks appeared on this rock in the XII-XIII centuries. The foundation of the monastery is attributed to the monk Nikanor, who had the surname Anapavsas (Αναπαυσάς), which became the name of the monastery. However, it is possible that the epithet Αναπαυσάς (calmifier) ​​is associated with the monastery itself as a place that gives spiritual and physical peace to the monks and guests of the monastery.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas

The small area of ​​the rock on which the monastery is located forced the monks to place temples, cells and ancillary buildings on several levels, which creates the impression of a labyrinth.

Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Great Meteor)

Athanasius, later Saint Athanasius of Meteora, had the only goal - the creation of a well-organized monastery in the likeness of Athos. In 1334, he gathered 14 monks from the surrounding area and climbed the "Platis Litos" (wide stone) - a giant rock 613 meters above sea level, 413 meters above the level of the town of Kalambaka, starting a truly titanic business for that era - the construction of the first structures of the later famous Monastery "Great Meteor" This monk was the first to determine the rules of conduct that the monks had to follow, observing the laws of monastic life in Meteora. It is believed that it was Athanasius who gave these rocks the name "Meteora".

The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Greek της Μεταμόρφωσης του Σωτήρος), also known as the Great Meteor (Greek Μεγάλο Μετέωρο) is located on the highest (613 meters) and large rock (6 hectares). Founded by Athanasius of Meteor around 1340.

The temple houses a large number of valuable icons of the 14th-16th centuries, and in the former refectory there is a museum of monastery treasures. Among the treasures of the monastery, the following stand out: the most ancient Greek manuscript of 861; a double-leaf icon of the Mother of God, a contribution by Maria Palaiologos, sister of one of the founders of the monastery; part of the Golden Bull with the signature of Emperor Andronicus Palaiologos; a fully embroidered shroud of the 14th century; four icons of the 16th century: the Nativity of Christ, the Crucifixion of Christ, the Passion of Christ, Our Lady of Sorrows.

At the entrance to the monastery is a dilapidated skete of St. Athanasius. This is a small building, lost in the rock. There, the founder of the monastery lived in a cave, and behind the entrance there is a small chapel and a crypt.

For a safer ascent to the monastery in 1922, steps were cut into the rock, but the net is still used to lift provisions and other items necessary for the life of the monastery.

The monasteries of Meteora are open to tourists, but pay attention to the schedule: you won’t be able to visit all the monasteries in one day, because. they have different schedules.
And I don’t advise you to go to Meteora for one day. It is worth staying at least 3 days here. The monasteries have museums worth visiting.

More about the schedule: in the Meteora book, which is sold in monasteries and shops, the following schedule is indicated:

Meteora monasteries schedule for visiting tourists

All monasteries are open until 18:00, but other information can be seen on the roads:

In any case, you need to go or go to the mountains in the morning. We got to the monasteries by car.

How to get to the monasteries of Meteora

It is possible with a tour. From almost any tourist city there is an excursion to Meteora.
It is possible with a group from Russia. Pilgrimage tourism.

You can do it yourself. We traveled on our own, so we were able to walk around the town at the foot of the meteora, get acquainted with the local cuisine, learn a little about the habits and character of the locals.

One evening we went to a tavern. There hung a musical instrument, apparently a bouzouki. I haven't seen it in person and haven't held it in my hands. I was wondering how it sounds. We talked in sign language with the owner.

As a result, I accompanied the owner of the tavern on the guitar, and he played intricate passages on bouzouki, playing, of course, sirtaki. Galya and several locals danced the famous dance. Moreover, Jackdaw did not fall into the mud with her face! She was able to organize a small choreographic group of local residents. In such a cheerful composition, they danced all 26 verses of the dance.

After this spontaneous feast, the host and other guests began to bring us, one after another, jugs of local wine. There were a lot of pitchers - the Greeks are generous and hospitable hosts, but - alas, I had to upset them. Everything - we would not drink)))

We love to travel on our own precisely for such pleasant opportunities: to manage our time, communicate, observe. Those who came to Meteora for a day trip do not have such opportunities.

Blog readers in letters asked us questions about how to get to Meteora on their own, without a car. Friends, it is very, very hot in Greece in the summer… I have no idea how to travel there without a car. Of course, you can get there, but it is long, tiring and inconvenient. We are for comfortable and travel.

If you want to get to Meteora by public transport and you have learned how to do it conveniently, please tell us about your experience!

And we leave this amazing place - the monasteries of Meteora and move on. K in . From where soothsayers and priests, with the help of their prophecies, ruled the entire ancient world for many centuries.