Meteora, Kalabaka, Meteora

Meteora Tours & Tickets

Did you know? Meteora

Meteora's monasteries were built starting in the 14th century atop natural rock pillars that reach up to 400 metres high, originally accessed only by ladders and nets.

UNESCO recognised Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988 for its outstanding Byzantine monastic art and unique geological formations.

The monasteries were strategically built on these inaccessible rocks to protect monks from Ottoman invasions and raids during the medieval period.

Only 6 of the 24 original monasteries remain active today, with Meteora now home to a small monastic community of about 60 monks and nuns.

The rock formations of Meteora are made of sandstone and conglomerate deposited by the ancient Pineios River, creating pillars shaped over millions of years.

The name 'Meteora' comes from the Greek word meaning 'suspended in the air'—a fitting description for these monasteries perched on towering rock spires.

Meteora: frequently asked questions