What is special about Meteora Greece?

Meteora is a unique area in Greece, and quite possibly the world. The wider area is full of impressive, massive rock formations. These rocks were formed millions of years ago. Over time, they were further shaped by the wind, rain and other natural phenomena.

Is Meteora good for kids?

The impressive character of the Meteora mountains and its astonishing nature makes it very suitable for hiking tours. Many local tour agencies organize accompanied walks for families. I recommend the Easy Hiking Adventure with kids.

Why is Meteora important?

During the 17-18th century, Meteora had become a refuge center for Greeks escaping the harsh dominion of the Ottoman overlords, as it was the only place where Hellenic culture was preserved, attracting not only the faithful but also poets, philosophers and deep thinkers.

How would you describe Meteora?

The Meteora (/ˌmɛtiˈɔːrə/; Greek: Μετέωρα, pronounced [meˈteora]) is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos.

When were the Meteora built?

The first monastery erected on a summit dates from the 14th century, when Athanasios Koinovitis, a monk from Mount Athos, ascended the plathy lithos (“broad rock”) and built the first structures of the Great Metéoron. The Serbian king then in control of Thessaly granted the monastery religious privileges.

Is Meteora a city?

Meteora is a complex of enormous dark rocks rising over Kalambaka, near the heights of Pindos Mountain. The gorgeous monasteries built on the peaks of the rocks comprise the second most important monastic community in Greece, after Mount Athos, in Halkidiki.

How many monks are in Meteora?

In Meteora, monasteries reach toward the heavens. (CNN) — High above the Meteora landscape in the central region of Greece, 60 monks and nuns live in fabled monasteries perched on the edge of sandstone peaks. In centuries past, their place of worship brought them solitude and protection from unwanted trespassers.

Who lives on Meteora mountain?

When was the Meteora built?

How tall is Meteora?

With an average elevation of 313m (1027ft), the Meteora rocks stand proudly at the centre of an extraordinarily beautiful Greek landscape, housing 24 monasteries in total, of which 6 remain active. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, Meteora attracts tourists to the region in their thousands each year.