High above the plains of central Greece, the Meteora monasteries look like they’re floating in the sky.
Built on top of giant rock pillars, these incredible buildings were created by monks hundreds of years ago who wanted peace, safety, and a closer connection to God.
Without roads or machines, they used ropes, ladders, and baskets to pull up everything they needed — even themselves. The name Meteora means “suspended in the air,” and it’s easy to see why.
“These monasteries weren’t just places of prayer,” says Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos, a Greek cultural historian. “They were acts of faith carved into stone — bold, breathtaking, and completely cut off from the world below.”
Out of the original 24 monasteries, only six are still active today, with monks and nuns living there. Each one has something special — beautiful wall paintings, old books, and amazing views of the valley below.
Meteora is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s visited by people from all over the world.
“Meteora is where nature meets devotion,” says travel writer Andreas Leontaris. “Even if you’re not religious, it’s impossible not to feel something when you stand there and look up.”
