Meteora Greece address. How to get to the Greek monasteries of Meteora? Rules for visiting monasteries. Rules and schedule for visiting monasteries

If you think that the most beautiful place in Greece is somewhere on the coast, where there is white sand and an azure sea, then you are mistaken. Of course, everyone has different criteria for beauty, but when preparing for a trip and preparing a plan, I asked my friends what they liked most about Greece. And everyone, as one, answered that Meteora is a really cool place worth visiting. Of course, to get there, you will have to tear yourself away from the warm pool, leave the beach and spend half the day on the road. But what you see will really amaze you. “Floating in the air” is how the name of this place is translated from Greek. And the most important thing to do there is to stay until sunset.

I'll tell you where to stay, what to see and where is the best place to admire the Meteors in the rays of the setting sun. :)

What are Meteora?

Meteora are Orthodox monasteries standing on the tops of ancient rocks. Once upon a time there was a sea in this place, but it dried up, and the bottom gradually began to collapse, turning into bizarre sculptures. This place is a little reminiscent of Cappadocia, with the difference that instead of water there was a sea of volcanic ash.

The first hermit cells began to appear here more than 1000 years ago. It is believed that a certain Barnabas settled here in 950, and then other monks began to join him. For two or three centuries, the monastic community they formed lived without any problems. But then, in the 13th-14th centuries, lovers of easy money, like the Crusaders and Turks, flocked to Thessaly. Several monks fled from the Holy Mount Athos to Meteora. One of them, Athanasius, laid the foundation for the construction of monasteries. There were 24 of them in total, but only 6 have survived to this day - four male and two female. All of them are currently operating, and you can get into all of them by paying 3 euros.

Where to come?

If you want to find the Meteora monasteries on the map, then it is best to look for the cities of Kastraki and Kalambaka. These two small towns lie right at the foot of the monastery cliffs.

All visiting tourists stay in them. The cities are not particularly remarkable - countless guest houses, hotels, cafes, restaurants, rental offices for all types of transport, shops and souvenir shops.

Kalambaka is larger than Kastraka and more lively. The nightlife is in full swing here, people party all day long. At the entrance to Kalambaka from Trikala there is a chain grocery supermarket Lidl, where you can buy groceries, because in local shops everything will be more expensive.

Where to live?

The cost of renting housing on Booking in June starts from 6,000 rubles per night (for a family of 4 people). Yes, this is a very popular tourist place and everything is expensive here. We managed to find a cheaper option on AirBnB in Kastraki. The woman rented the entire house to us for 3,500 rubles. per day. The house turned out to be perfectly clean, neatly tidied and cozy - I strongly recommend it.

The main advantages of staying in Kastraki rather than in Kalambaka are silence, lack of much traffic on the road and lower housing prices. And most importantly, from here you can quickly get onto the serpentine road leading to all the observation platforms! Probably, for photographers who want to take beautiful sunrise and sunset photos, this is very important :)

What to do?

In the morning, while it is not yet very hot, you can visit all the monasteries. They open to the public at different times, but are usually open to the public by 9-10 am. They close at 16-17. I recommend starting with the largest ones. If you start with small ones, then you can quickly get tired and abandon this idea without ever visiting the most majestic Great Meteor and Varlaam. The rules regarding clothing are the same as in all Orthodox monasteries - arms and legs must be covered. However, men were easily allowed in in shorts.

Entrance to each of the monasteries is paid and costs 3 euros. If you are not a particularly religious person, then in some small monasteries there is nothing special to see - they are more like icon and souvenir shops. Almost all of them have preserved frescoes and interior decoration, despite the fact that during the Second World War almost everything was stolen.

Monastery of Rusanu or St. Barbara

Each of the monasteries has its own history and characteristics. For example, for some time it was possible to get into the monastery of Rusana (St. Barbara) only in a special net, which the monks lifted up with a rope. There have been cases when the mesh was torn...

Nowadays a wide stone staircase leads to this monastery, but the freight elevator is still functioning.

Rusanu is perhaps one of the most recognizable and photographed Meteor monasteries.

It fits perfectly into the composition of the surrounding rocks.

It can be seen from almost all observation platforms. And from different angles it is sometimes difficult to understand that this is the same monastery.

Transfiguration Monastery and Varlaam Monastery

The Transfiguration Monastery (Great Meteor), which is on the left in the photo, and the Varlaam Monastery are the largest and most visited of Meteora. They contain a large number of valuable icons from the 14th to 17th centuries and the oldest Greek manuscript from 861.

The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord is located on the highest (613 meters) and largest rock. It is also visible from almost everywhere.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The most impressive view of Meteor is the Holy Trinity Monastery, which somehow miraculously fits on top of a lonely cliff 400 meters high.

Now there are steps cut into the rock leading to it, along which you can get inside. But the freight funicular is also still operating. Every morning a car brings here the necessary things and products, which are transported by air to the territory of the monastery.

The view of this monastery is truly beautiful in any weather and at any time of day.

And this is a monastery, the rays of the sun first touch it at dawn in the summer. If you are planning to photograph the sunrise, then this is your first point. Don't forget your telephoto lens: this photo was taken at 200mm.

Monastery of St. Stephen

This is the richest of the Meteora monasteries. And the most easily accessible if you get tired of various ascents and descents.

One day they found a slab in it, dated 6770 from the creation of the world. From which we can conclude that hermits have lived on this rock since 1192. Now it is a convent, which anyone can enter.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas

This monastery (on the left in the photo) is the smallest of the six. The rock on which it is nestled is so small that the monks were forced to make cells at different levels. And the passages inside generally resemble some kind of labyrinth. From the monastery there is access to a spacious area at the very top of the cliff.

Monastic prison

In one of the largest rocks (pictured in the center) there is an amazing place - a prison for monks. Presumably, sinful monks served their punishment there.

The prison is a deep and very large grotto, inside of which there are wooden ceilings.

There is also a version that this grotto served as a place of solitude for the monks. However, it is certain that in the 19th century, during the Greco-Turkish War, the Turks used the Meteora monasteries as prisons, including this grotto. There is a path to the place, which is called “monks prison” on maps. But you shouldn’t climb up without preparation and equipment.

Where to take photos from?

All observation platforms are located on the serpentine road leading to the monasteries. Each of these places has a parking lot where you can leave your car. However, it should be noted that the closer to sunset, the fewer places remain. But people park their cars just at the edge of the road - no one simply cares. This serpentine is used mainly only by tourists.

All viewpoints are marked on the map in the MAPS.ME program - I recommend downloading and installing it. There are only two most popular places to wire the sun.

How many amazing natural monuments, man-made treasures of mankind and secrets Greece keeps. Today we will talk about one of her most amazing architectural masterpieces, which was created over several generations. We will talk about the unique monasteries of Meteora in Greece. To get to them you will have to go through a difficult and grueling path, because they are located at a dizzying height right on rocky ledges. But believe me, it's worth it!

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At first glance at the monumental complex, ridiculous thoughts enter your head. Maybe the gods themselves descended from ancient Olympus and created this masterpiece? Otherwise, how is it possible to create something like this among inaccessible rocks, at such a great height? This is simply amazing.

According to local legend, the inaccessible mountains of Thessaly were favored by monks long before the fifth century. It was here that they spent time at prayer services and led a hermitic lifestyle. In the high mountain areas, believers spent long hours in prayer, trying to renounce the dark past and learn the true value of life. However, each monk here had his own thoughts, and from bad weather and for the night they hid in small caves, of which there are quite a lot here today.

According to the official version, the first stone of one of the future monasteries was laid by a hermit known as Barnabas. This significant event happened back in 950. At first, small hermitages were formed, which united groups of monks around themselves, and much later they began to grow and turned into a huge monastic complex consisting of separate buildings. This continued until the time when the territory of Greece began to be “torn apart” by numerous tribes of invaders.

Today these places are considered a real Greek “pearl”, which thousands of tourists from all over the world come to personally touch. The amazing image of rocks soaring in the sky is complemented by huge stone monasteries, as if reaching for the clouds. It seems that the buildings are simply hewn out of the rock itself. Already presented? Now add fabulous sunrises and sunsets to the breathtaking picture... Personally, I begin to envy the inhabitants of the hills of Thessaly, before whose eyes such landscapes open up every day!

Construction of monasteries

According to historians, the construction of temple buildings was carried out under difficult conditions. All necessary materials were brought up manually using ordinary rope ladders and ropes. To overcome such a difficult path, the monk had to learn the basics of rock climbing and not be one of the cowards.

During the entire construction, the monks lived quite modestly. For example, their only source of water was crevices and niches cut right into the rocks, in which rainwater collected, and they generally ate what the gods sent them. So it turns out that the titanic work was based almost entirely on enthusiasm and faith.

Which monasteries are included in the complex

The temple complex “floating in the air” includes several structures. Each building is unique and has many interesting facts in its rich history.

Monastery of Agiou Nikolaou Anapavs (St. Nicholas)

The first monastery that I would like to stop at is called Agiou Nikolaou Anapavsa (which translated means St. Nicholas Cathedral). The first mentions of it date back to 1500 years, which, according to some historians, is the time of its foundation. There is reason to believe that the initiator of the creation of the temple was Metropolitan Laris Dionysius, and the famous Cretan artist Theophanes Batas-Strelitsas took part in the painting of the galleries of the building.

Rusanu Monastery

No less interesting is the Rusanu Cathedral, which was founded a little later, around 1545. This magnificent structure is attributed to the brothers Joasaph and Maxim. The main pride is the beautiful paintings, as well as the amazingly beautiful wooden altar carved and gilded. The iconostases located inside are of great value and deserve your attention.

Varlaam Monastery

It was founded in 1517. Theophanes and Nectarius Apsara. The magnificent frescoes that adorn the main gallery are the work of the painting genius Franck Catalano and date back to 1548. It is here that the most ancient and valuable manuscripts, shrouds decorated with gold threads and many other artifacts are kept.

Cathedral of Agnas Triadas

It attracts with its unusual chapel, which is located almost on the highest point of the mountains. To appreciate its original structure, you will have to overcome an additional 140 steps carved into the rock.

Megalo Meteoro Cathedral

Also known as Spaso-Preobrazhensky, it is considered one of the earliest. Its founder is considered to be Athanasius of Meteora, who at one time was a prominent associate of Orthodoxy. It is in this place that the most beautiful frescoes by the famous Theophanes and the largest number of rare icons are located.

Monastery of Agios Stefanou

It is the only building for nuns. By visiting it, tourists will be able to appreciate the impressive collection of relics.

How to get there from Athens

If you are in Athens, you can take the bus that leaves from the station from Terminal B or the train from Larissis station. To save money, buy a round-trip ticket. Useful information for those who chose the bus - it leaves the terminal every two hours from 7.30 to 15.30. You can get to Kalambaka in 4.5 hours.

For those who prefer traveling by rail, you need train 884, which goes there and 885 on the way back. You will spend 5 hours on the road. If you rent a car, you will need to travel almost 400 km through Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala, and signs along the way will be quite rare.

How to get there from Thessaloniki

Want to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki? Nothing could be simpler. You can do it in 3 hours by train. When you reach Kalambaka by your chosen route, follow the route to the Plateia Dimarhiou fountain. Next to it there is a stop from which a bus departs to the village of Kastraki. If you are traveling on weekdays, then keep in mind that departure times are at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., if on Saturday or Sunday, then at 8:20 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.

By bus from the village you will get to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. You can also book a tour at any agency, which will allow everyone to touch ancient history and see with their own eyes the legendary halls painted with frescoes of the first inhabitants and huge libraries. It is here that the most valuable and ancient manuscripts are kept, which, thanks to hermits, have been preserved to this day since the Middle Ages.

Meteors themselves represent a religious shrine, are a modern place of pilgrimage for Greeks and many foreigners, and allow you to see icons that are grandiose in their cultural and historical significance.

In the north of Greece, near the towns of Kastraki and Kalambaka, in the amazingly shaped mountains of Thessaly, there is a mountainous “monastic country” - Holy Meteora. This is a special place where God's grace and the greatness of the ascetic spirit are in incomprehensibly in harmony with the beauty of natural creation.

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Short description

All 6 active Orthodox monasteries of Meteora are located on the tops of the rocks, frozen between heaven and earth. The stone giants, reaching 600 meters in height, represent a unique geological phenomenon. Finding yourself among the bizarre vertical pillars with caves and forested peaks resembling giant stalagmites or huge stone fingers, every traveler asks the question: how could nature create this?

From left to right: Varlaam Monastery, Rusanu Monastery

And the scientists’ answer is this: the Meteora rocks were formed on the site of a dry river valley. About 60 million years ago, a deep, turbulent river flowed here, flowing into a prehistoric sea.

Under the influence of geological shifts 30 million years ago, the river waters disappeared, exposing the Thessalian plain and the rocks of the river delta. Water and wind erosion completed the creation of massive stone sculptures called Meteora, which in Greek means “hanging in the air.”

View of the rocks on which the monasteries are located

History of the “monastic kingdom” of Meteora

The history of the “monastic country” of Meteora begins in the 10th century, when hermits settled in caves and rocky recesses. In 950-970 a certain Barnabas founded the oldest monastery of the Holy Spirit here. The flow of ascetics to these lands increased in the 14th century, when Thessaly was subject to frequent attacks by the Turks, who completely conquered it by 1393. Fleeing from the Ottomans, hermits from scattered Greek communities fled to Meteora.

They were joined by two monks from the monastery on Holy Mount Athos - Elder Gregory and Venerable Athanasius of Meteora. Athanasius’s goal was to transform Meteora into an organized “monastic state” in the likeness of the Athos monastery.

Monastery of Rusanu or St. Barbara

Together with 14 monks, he climbed the huge rock Platis Litos, 613 meters high, and built the first “floating in the air” monastery - Great Meteor. In the 15th-16th centuries, during its heyday, the “monastic state” consisted of 24 monasteries, each of which had monasteries, churches, refectories, cellars, reservoirs for collecting rainwater, ossuaries - urns for burying remains. And some monasteries also had libraries with a rich collection of handwritten and printed books. Today, only 6 monasteries are functioning.

Active monasteries of Meteora

Great Meteor or the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord is the most ancient of the Meteora complexes. Post-Byzantine buildings, medieval frescoes and valuable icons of the 14th-16th centuries create a complete picture of the life of the ancient monastic monastery.

In Big Meteora there is a museum of monastic relics, where the oldest manuscript in Greece, dating back to 861, is kept. The Varlaam Monastery got its name from the recluse Varlaam, who built a small church here in 1350. He lived on the rock in complete solitude until the end of his days. After the death of Varlaam, no one climbed here for almost two hundred years.

In 1518, the brothers Nektaria and Theophanes Apsara climbed to the top, restored the old Varlaam temple and erected a new one - the Cathedral of All Saints. It is notable for its ancient frescoes, ivory and mother-of-pearl mosaics and post-Byzantine icons. The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas was supposedly founded in the 12th-13th centuries. Due to the small area of the rock, its churches, monasteries, crypt and refectory are located on several levels, which creates the illusion of a labyrinth. The main pride of the monastery are the frescoes of the outstanding icon painter Theophan of Crete, decorating the walls of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.

Transfiguration Monastery

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity (XV century) is famous for its stunning views. It rises on a 400-meter cliff covered with forest, at the foot of which flows the Pinyos River, surrounded by the peaks of the Pindos ridge. A staircase of 140 steps is carved into the rock, leading up past the small church of St. John the Baptist.

Active nunneries of Meteor

The exact date of foundation of the Rusanu monastery is unknown. Its interior is decorated with wall paintings of the Cretan school (16th century) and a carved wooden iconostasis with gilding. The Monastery of St. Stephen (XIV century) crowns a huge rock hanging over the city of Kalambaka.

Monastery of St. Stephen

This is the richest of the Meteor monasteries; today it serves as an educational center: a museum of monastic treasures is opened in the former refectory, and exhibitions, concerts of church music, and lectures on iconography are held in the outbuildings.

Visit to the monasteries of Meteora

Until 1920, one could get to the monasteries by climbing long stairs or climbing a rope- the guest sat down in a woven rope net, and the monks dragged him to the top of the rock.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas

“At least several times in your life you want to feel like a bird, fluttering in a net that is dragged to heights of 30-40 fathoms, and during the ascent to pray to the Holy Mighty One,” - this is how Archimandrite Porfiry Uspensky, who visited the Meteora monasteries in 1859, described his impressions . Today, a good asphalt road has been laid to Meteora, and visiting them is not risky and is accessible not only to believers, but also to tourists. In summer, a bus runs from Kalambaka to the foot of the mountain.

When planning a visit to Meteora, you must choose clothing that complies with strict church regulations - no shorts, miniskirts, etc. Clothing must cover your arms to the wrists and your legs to the ankles; women put a headscarf on their heads.

Basic moments

The name "Meteora" comes from the word meteorizo, which means "floating in the air." This is the most accurate description of the appearance of the monasteries. When clouds of fog envelop the mountain slopes in the early morning, the buildings towering above them seem to float above the clouds. The heyday of the Meteora monasteries occurred at the end of the Middle Ages - at that time there were 24 monasteries and hermitages. Today, only 6 monasteries remain inhabited. Four of them are male: Great Meteor or Megalo Meteoro (Preobrazhensky), St. Varlaam, St. Nicholas Anapavsas and the Holy Trinity. Two monasteries - female: St. Stephen and Rusanu Monastery (or St. Barbara's Monastery). Although the remaining 18 monasteries lie in ruins, in some places hermits still live in them, wanting to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of Byzantium.

View of the Thessalian plain

The very first monasteries in the mountains appeared in the 11th century. Hermits fled from the bustle of the world in order to continue their service to the Lord without interference, and settled in simple mountain caves. As their numbers grew, the monks united into a monastic community, similar to the spiritual republic on Mount Athos.

Just a few hermits founded the very first monastery, Dupiani, now completely destroyed. Only a small chapel from the 13th century remains as a witness to their asceticism.

In 1334, the monk Athanasius arrived at the Meteora monasteries. With his arrival, monastic life truly began to flourish in the region. In 1370, he, together with 14 monks, climbed the highest rock and founded the monastery of the Great Meteor, also known as Metamorphosis (i.e. Transfiguration). Occupying an area of approximately 60,000 sq. m, Meteora is one of the largest monastic complexes. According to legend, an eagle, or even an angel, carried Athanasius to the mountain peak. This monk first defined the rules of behavior that others had to follow, observing the laws of monastic life in Meteora. Over time, he and his followers founded several more monasteries around.

Today, only 6 of the 24 monasteries are inhabited. In the monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas, in the chapel of John the Baptist, the skulls of all the monks who ever lived in this monastery are stored on shelves in even rows. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with frescoes by Feofan Strelidzas (c. 1500-1559), an outstanding icon painter of the Cretan school - a group of artists that included the famous El Greco. Monastery of Saint Rusanu (or St. Barbara's Monastery) was founded in 1388. Reconsecrated in 1950, it was more often than others subjected to looting and desecration. His frescoes of the 16th century. are incomparable masterpieces. The monastery of St. Varlaam was built from 1518 to 1535, and in the travel diary of 1779 it is mentioned as a monastery for women.

The Great Meteor, the largest complex, was named so by its founder Athanasius in honor of the massive stone pillars that seemed to hang in the air, called Meteora. Until 1923, when roads were built to the monasteries and 143 stone steps were made to climb, monks and visitors could only enter the monasteries by hanging stairs 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 raised to the top of the rocks.

With the exception of Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen), quite easily accessible, you can get to the monasteries by climbing steep stone stairs, sometimes numbering over a hundred steps. The monks are accustomed to visitors, but wanting to preserve the sacred character of these places, they require an appropriate appearance. Men, women and children must have their arms covered, at least to the elbows; Pants are required for men and long skirts for women.

Kalambaka

At the foot of the very cliffs where the Meteora monasteries were built, the highest of which reach 300 m, is the city of Kalambaka. After World War II it underwent large-scale reconstruction. It is worth visiting the city cathedral, the construction of which was partially made using materials from ancient buildings. You will be able to see 16th-century frescoes and an amazing marble pulpit - in fact, it is a pulpit, dating back, like the canopy, to the early Christian era.

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

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

Also very small, this monastery (XVI century) huddles on a narrow rock, 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 always popular among mountaineering enthusiasts.

A short time later the road forks. The left one leads to the 16th-century Varlaam Monastery, built on a narrow platform on top of a cliff. Having walked all 130 steps and stepped through the threshold, you will find yourself in a sun-drenched church courtyard. Inside, be sure to look at the painting depicting the saint grieving over the vanity of this world in front of the skeleton of Alexander the Great. The amazing fresco of the Last Judgment on the wall opposite the choir deserves special attention. Visitors can also tour the basement and the room where the press is installed, as well as look at the operation of the lift.

At the same height as Varlaam is the Great Meteor, also called the Transfiguration Monastery, founded by the very first in the middle of the 14th century on the highest rock. To get to it, you need to go down 106 steps, then go up 192... Despite frequent destruction, the Great Meteor has preserved priceless evidence of Byzantine art, in particular the embroidered robes of priests and severe frescoes. The Church of the 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 the skulls of deceased monks. The balcony offers a stunning 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 (The Holy Trinity) built on top of a huge rock, which from a distance appears to be floating in the air. Although part of it was built in the 15th century, it lacks unity due to the modern buildings attached.

Monastery of Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen)

The last monastery you'll discover is also the most easily accessible, thanks to a pedestrian bridge that connects it to the road. This place is famous for its views of Kalambaka and the Thessalian plain. The former dining room has been converted into a museum, the most complete in Meteora, where icons, religious objects, painted manuscripts and embroideries are exhibited. The only church was built only in the 18th century.

On the territory of the monastery of Agios Stefanos

Climbing monks

No one knows exactly how the first monks managed to climb the Meteora rocks. Incredible fairy tales make the imagination imagine huge paper kites, ropes tied to the paws of a hawk, the construction of scaffolding, giant trees - everything with the help of which one could climb... It is possible that once upon a time shepherds and hunters suggested the path to the monks, known to them alone. They soon 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 you believe the records of travelers of old, the rope was changed only after the old one broke! These structures can still be seen, now powered by an electric lift. Today they are designed for cargo, and visitors prefer to climb on foot.

Mesmerizing cliffs of Meteora monasteries

Chronology

11th century: The first hermits settled in mountain caves.
OK. 1370: Monk Athanasius founded Megalo Meteoro.
1939-1945: Bombing during World War II takes a heavy toll on the monasteries.
Since 1972: Reconstruction of all functional monasteries continues.
1988: The Meteora Monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Meteora(from the Greek μετέωρα is translated as “floating in the air”) - these are rocks in Greece, breathtaking in their beauty, on the tops of which there is one of the main Greek shrines - the Meteora monasteries. 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 rightfully considered one of 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 was formed more than 25 million years ago. Meteora was then the rocky bottom of a prehistoric sea. As a result of long-term exposure to water, wind and temperature changes, stone pillars appeared, as if suspended in the air.

The peaks of Meteor, towering above the gorges, are crowned by famous monasteries. The impregnable peaks of Meteor (their height is 600 meters above sea level) have become a natural refuge for hermits and ascetics even before the 10th century. Hermits settled in caves, cut off from the world; Bread and water were brought to them by compassionate local peasants, lifting provisions on ropes.

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

Today, the majestic Meteora monasteries attract pilgrims and travelers from all over the world, fortunately now it is no longer difficult to get to the Meteora monasteries. Previously, visitors could only climb up to the monasteries 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. A direct train departs twice daily from Larisis Central Station in Athens to Kalambaka Station at the foot of Meteora. Travel time is almost 5 hours, the cost of a ticket when purchased on the website is 14 euros. Check out the schedule and prices. Also, other trains depart every hour, but not direct ones, with a change at Paleofarsalos station. Important! Greeks love to go on 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 depart to Kalambaka from Athens from Liosion bus station, terminal B. The trip duration 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. It’s cheaper to buy a ticket in both directions at once. then it will cost 48 euros, if separately it will be more expensive. You can find the bus schedule.

03 Automobile. By car you can get there from Athens in 4 hours. Route: Athens - Lamia (E75 highway) - 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 train station. Most routes from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka will again have a change in Paleofarsalos. Check out the schedule and prices. Ticket prices start from 11.6 euros.

02 Buses— depart from the Macedonia bus station and also go with a transfer in Trikala. Schedule, a round trip ticket will cost 32.5 euros.

03 Automobile. Via Larissa (238 km): here most of the route follows 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 towards Trikala at the signs in the Larissa area (E92). Further 20 km from Trikala to the village of Kalambaka. Via Grevena (240 km): along the Egnatia highway (E90), leaving Thessaloniki, you need to pass Veria (on the right) and Kozani. After Grevena you will see an exit from the highway onto 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 or 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 greets the traveler in Meteora is Kalambaka. Kalambaka is a small and cozy Thessalian town. There are taverns and restaurants where you can eat, as well as a fairly decent selection of hotels and guest houses. Exactly There is a railway station in Kalambaka and a terminal where trains from Athens to Kalambaka 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), since the town is located right at the foot of Meteora. By the way, this village is even mentioned in Homer’s Iliad - under the name Itomi.

Kastraki

Kastraki – traditional village 2 km from Kalambaka. From Kastraki it is easy to get to the Meteor monasteries - from here it is convenient to start the ascent to the monastery of St. Nicholas and beyond. From Kalambaka to Kastraki the journey on foot 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 climb on foot or wait for the bus, then where to stop, in this case, does not matter. As a rule, climbing and visiting the Meteor monasteries begin from Kastraki, since this village is located closer to the rocks and monasteries. A bus runs from Kalambaka through Kastraki twice a day before lunch, that is, if you don’t have a car, this is not a problem. You can also take a taxi.

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

How to get to Meteor Monasteries by bus: From Kalambaka via Kastraki there is a bus at 9 and 11 am 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 site on foot, you will have to walk along the highway, about 20 minutes from the Meteor monasteries. You can drive up 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 from 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 / All Saints. Located next to Μegalo Meteoro, within walking distance. If you believe the legend, in 1350 the monk Varlaam climbed this rock and founded several cells and a small Church of the Three Saints 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 convent, also located 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 Meteor monasteries can easily be combined into one bus ride and a walk at the top from one to the other. Next - again to the bus stop, from where, having previously learned the schedule from the driver, you can take a bus to two more monasteries in Meteora, Agia Trias and Agios Stefanos.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Agia Trias). All materials for construction were lifted onto the rock using 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.
St. Stephen's Monastery (female) (Agios Stefanos). Of the entire Meteor monastery complex, it is the most easily accessible in terms of ascent: an 8-meter long bridge leads to it. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 13.30 and 15.30 - 17.30, except Monday. 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 Anpafsas (Agios Nikolaos Anpafsas). The monastery is famous for its unusual design and magnificent frescoes from 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.

What else to do in Meteora

If you are planning 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 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 to admire the setting sun - in the evening. There are excellent opportunities for rock climbing - Meteora is a famous rock climbing center and every experienced climber dreams of visiting here. Mountain biking tours are organised. Thrill-seekers can go rafting down the Aspropotamos River with a tour group. You can make a group climb to the Agia Rock or the Rock of the Holy Spirit, or go on a hiking tour to the Mount of the Gods - Olympus.

The Meteor neighborhood will enchant you with its unique flavor, provincial homeliness 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 kebabs and homemade sausages are served with aromatic 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 among visitors and local residents. You can choose your favorite dishes right in the kitchen. One of the best places to try traditional Greek cuisine is the Gardenia Tavern in Kastraki. Greek moussaka is worth trying at Panellinio Restaurant. Try shpatula (a kind of pudding), homemade preserves, Greek halva, and delicious liqueurs at the Zoomserie patisserie in Kalambaka. There are many options for evening entertainment: cafes, bars, pubs and much more.

Photo materials: visitmeteora.travel

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