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Meteora is a region in central Greece, located in a valley in the Thessaly region, close to the city of Kalambaka. It is characterized by its amazing eroded rock formations, which seem to float in the clouds.
On the tops of these rocks, defying gravity, imposing monasteries are erected, which were built there because the monks believed that they would be closer to God in this way.
In 1988, Meteora was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due not only to its idyllic landscape but also to the history behind this wonder that brings together the best of nature and the work of man, since, during the Turkish occupation, these monasteries functioned as spaces dedicated to the preservation of Greek culture and, in the second world war, as refuges**.**
The richness of Meteora lies in the perfect communion between nature and human intervention. Its rock masses, which seem to hang from the sky, are the perfect surface for monasteries, resulting from the settlement of monks that began in the 11th century.
Due to their strategic location, these monasteries fulfilled different functions throughout history, including preserving Hellenic culture between the 15th and 19th centuries, during the Turkish invasion, as they became important artistic and academic centers.
If you are interested in the idea of trying delicacies worthy of a Greek feast, then you have to visit Meteora and eat like the gods. The main gastronomic offer is found in the nearby cities of Kalambaka and Katraki. There you will find delicious dishes, at a good price and abundant enough to recover energy after touring the monasteries.
A typical dish that you can try is moussaka, a traditional Greek recipe consisting of layers of sliced aubergine, minced lamb and tomato, covered in bechamel sauce. You can also find this recipe made with mushrooms, which, by the way, are a local product from the area. And don't leave without eating the typical Greek yogurt with honey and plums, you won't regret it.
Meteora's idyllic landscape is the product of a saltwater lagoon that used to occupy the site, which exposed this surreal spectacle in the Tempe Valley 60 million of years ago.
The first settlements of the monks were in the natural caves of Meteora, and later they built their temples on top of the rock formations.
Today, you can visit some of these monasteries and marvel at their architecture and works of art. Of others, only their ruins remain after being bombed by the Nazi party.
The monasteries are the jewel of Meteora, because if their architecture and the incredible natural scenery on which they stand take your breath away, discovering them from the inside is not far behind.
Inside, the walls are covered by imposing paintings with religious motifs, which only find pause in the exquisite stained glass windows through which natural light enters.
The monks who live in Meteora lead their lives at a very different pace from today's times, fully dedicated to cultivating their spirituality, making the site a monument to peace and tranquility.
If you are going to visit the monasteries of Meteora, you must take into account some considerations when choosing your clothing, as they are religious temples with a specific dress code.
In order to enter the cloisters, women must use long skirts and t-shirts or shirts with sleeves that do not expose the shoulders. If you like to wear pants, you can, but you must cover them with a pashmina before entering. Men, on the other hand, must wear a shirt or t-shirt with long sleeves and pants that cover their knees.
Something you should keep in mind is that you can only access the temples on foot and the path, depending on your physical condition, can be somewhat strenuous, so wear comfortable shoes and don’t get discouraged, you will see when you arrive that all your effort was worth it.
Upon arrival in Meteora you will see that its greatest attraction lies in the combination of a natural landscape that seems shaped by the gods with constructions shaped by human beings. So if you are looking for a gift for a loved one, we recommend you take some of the craft products painted with this beautiful image that amazes hundreds of pilgrims in search of spirituality and inner peace.
Of course, you must also show your honored your photos, or he may not believe that such a paradise exists on Earth.
Meteora stands out for its beautiful landscape, the rock formations that rise up to 600 meters and the monasteries built on the peaks, generate the feeling of being in front of the stairs to heaven. That is why it attracts hundreds of tourists in search of peace and connection.
Would you like to be shocked by a landscape considered sacred by thousands of pilgrims? Looking to marvel at the architecture and works of art of cloisters like the Santísima Trinidad Monastery? Would you like to see with your own eyes the traces that history left in this place?
If the answer is "Yes", book one of the tourist packages to Meteora, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.