Metéora Monasteries

The Metéora Monasteries are located east of the Pindos Mountains in Thessaly. One of the unique things about these monasteries is that they appear to be floating in the fog. This is because, as the name meteorizo (= "to lift up") suggests, all the monasteries are situated on high rocks. The entire area consists of 24 individual monasteries and hermitages - unfortunately, only six of them are currently inhabited, as the rest are off-limits due to the risk of collapse.

It is believed that the first monks settled here in the 9th century. The monasteries were built into and onto the rocks in order to live in seclusion. It is thought that building materials were transported using rope pulleys, as until well into the 20th century, the monasteries were only accessible by rope ladders and pulleys. It wasn't until around the turn of the 20th century that the first stairs were built into the rocks.

Even today, visitors are required to adhere to a strict dress code. Women are only allowed to enter wearing long skirts or dresses. Men must wear long pants and have their shoulders covered.

If you consider all of this and are not afraid of the journey, you can admire impressive panoramas and visit six well-preserved monasteries.