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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Τρικάλων

View of the Meteora Monasteries

Discover
Places to see

Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Τρικάλων

View of the Meteora Monasteries

View of the Meteora Monasteries

Recommended by 302 hikers out of 304

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    Best Hikes to View of the Meteora Monasteries

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    1. View of Varlaam Monastery – Roussanou Monastery loop from Kastraki

    10.9km

    03:17

    360m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    June 25, 2017

    Highly recommended. Attention: each of the monasteries is closed on another day of the week and can not be visited.

    Translated by Google •

      June 23, 2024

      Located near the city of Kalambaka, Greece, the Meteora monasteries are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Meteora means "to lift up." This name describes the location of the monasteries, which were built on high sandstone cliffs. When it is foggy, the monasteries on the rocks appear to float between heaven and earth. Built to last forever: the Meteora monasteries built on sandstone cliffs are called "pillars of heaven." They are the skyscrapers of medieval Greece.

      There are several caves in the formations of the Meteora rocks. The Theopetra Cave is particularly worth mentioning. This cave is home to the oldest structure in the world built by humans. It is a stone wall that closes two-thirds of the entrance to the cave. It was built 23,000 years ago, probably as a barrier against cold and wind.

      The first documented hermitages in Meteora date back to the 11th century. These ascetics created small prayer niches next to or within their cave dwellings.


      In the 14th and 15th centuries, the ascetics began to climb higher, enormous rocks with the help of winches and stakes. The monks felt not only deliberately undisturbed in the Meteora monasteries, but also safer from looters and raids because the monasteries could only be entered via ladders and ropes.

      From the 14th century onwards, the monks built 19 monasteries, and the facilities were supported financially and through the granting of privileges by pious regional rulers such as King Symeon. Over the years, numerous monasteries and hermitages were established.

      Over time, the number of monasteries and hermitages rose to a total of 41.

      Translated by Google •

        May 8, 2024

        Breathtaking environment. If you follow the app, after the Monastery of Rosanou there will be an opportunity to enter the forest in the bend. Take this path and follow the line on the app. Definitely worth it!

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 530 m

          Weather

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          Wednesday 24 September

          28°C

          18°C

          0 %

          If you start your activity now...

          Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

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          Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Τρικάλων, Greece

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