Greece & the Adriatic Travel Stories

METEORA - WORLD HERITAGE BEAUTY
By Stephanie Lianos
Product Manager, Bunnik Tours

One of the most amazing places in Greece is Meteora, a set of 6 monasteries built high on natural rock pillars at the edge of the Plain of Thessaly in central Greece. It’s certainly an impressive sight and it leaves you wondering how on earth they got there! Even the producers of the James Bond Movie, For Your Eyes Only, found these rocks impressive… Roger Moore (actually, his stunt double) once climbed the stone face!

The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone rocks, which were originally settled by monks who lived in caves within the rocks. During the Turkish occupation, the monks climbed higher and higher to the highest peak where they were able to build their first monastery. Apparently, it was the monks who kept the Hellenic culture alive during the Ottoman Empire… without these monks, modern day Greece might not be what it is today!

The monasteries require a challenging uphill climb, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. The amazing views and the colourful, well-preserved frescoes are worth the strenuous walk up the rocks.

The largest monastery of the six is the Holy Monastery of Meteoron which was built in the 14th century on the highest rock. This now serves as a main tourist museum housing some of the most beautiful wall paintings and post Byzantine Mural art.

In terms of accommodation, we stayed at Kalambaka, a small modern town featuring the steps and rocks of Meteora as a backdrop. Kalambaka is a lovely town adorned with lavish fountains and quiet cobbled streets, and delicious Greek tavernas serving some of the best feta cheese, Greek salads and baklava!

A visit to Meteora is truly an unforgettable experience and a must-see when in Greece.

Bunnik Tours also visits Meteora on the following tours:

Turkey & Greece - click here
The Ancient Road - click here

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