The Holy Meteora Monasteries

The Holy Meteora Monasteries are known as the "miracle of Greece." A few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rock formations of Meteora rise dramatically from the plains of Thessaly, making it one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece.

Centuries ago, atop these towering cliffs—some exceeding 600 meters in height—a remarkable monastic community was established, becoming one of the most significant in Greece. The name Meteora, derived from Greek, means "suspended in the air," a fitting description for these awe-inspiring Greek Orthodox monasteries.

Today, only six monasteries remain active, each housing a small number of monks or nuns. I had the opportunity to visit four of them: the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas, and the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen.