METEORA, a group of huge granite rocks, is an impressive and striking scenery. Long ago under water, the rocks have been weirdly shaped and pitted by centuries of wind and rain. Suspended in midair between earth and sky on top of these huge rocks, 24 monasteries were built though today most of them are in ruins. The setting can be described as mystical even without the monasteries. The rock monasteries have been characterised by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultyral heritage. They were built here not only because of the mystical beauty of the region but also due to the natural fortification provided by the stone pinnacles. Their inaccessibility attracted these early hermits and monks to this place when religious persecution at the hands of Serbian marauders increased in the 12th century forcing Christians to seek refuge here. The area's first monastery was founded in 1344 and construction of other monasteries followed.
Once crowded and prosperous, they became virtually deserted during the last century. Today 6 of them are occupied. Visiting them you can see exquisite specimens of the Byzantine Art and priceless historical religious treasures. Men are required to wear long pants while women are required to wear long skirts and have their shoulders covered. For those without skirts, there are some that can be borrowed free of charge at each monastery.
The monastery of Varlaam and the nunnery of St. Stefanos are the two monasteries open for visits. Both of them are very impressive - inside and outside. No pictures are allowed inside the churches. In the inside what stands out is the beautiful artwork that covers practically every available surface of the churches.

1. The monastery of Varlaam is the first one you meet after a scenic drive up narrow winding roads. It is the second largest monastery in Meteora and was founded in the 14th Century. However, it was not developed until two brothers, Theophanis and Nektarios, built the Church of All Saints in 1541. It is filled with 16th Century frescoes depicting desert hermits, martyrs, the Apocalypse, and Saint Sissois visiting with Alexander the Great's skeleton. Access was intentionally difficult. The only way was with a net drawn up by rope and windlass. These old methods, uncomfortable and often perilous gave way to steps and vertical wooden ladders. Varlaam has an extensive net and pulley system, from which rope nets are let down several hundred feet by a windlass which shows how earlier visitors were hoisted up, today used for lifting up provisions.

2. The convent of Agios Stephanos became a monastery in the early 15th century and is now a convent. It is the easiest to visit. Of its two churches, only the "Katholikon", honoured to St. Charalambos, built in 1798, is open to the public. In addition to the beautiful frescoes, Agios Stephanos boasts incredible carved wood artwork. Additionally, they have the preserved head of the Saint kept in a wooden box.

The town of Kalambaka is below these natural stony pillars.