Meteora

The Metéora  is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Most date to the 14th century. Metéora in Greek means "suspended rocks", "suspended in the air",  etymologically similar to "Meteorite".

 

The monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars of extreme beauty (they were formed during the Tertiary Period), in central Greece (near town is Kalambaka). The atmosphere they encompass gives the visitor a sense of devoutness. 

Most monasteries are accessible by staircases cut into the rock formations.

The Metéora rock monasteries  are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria, as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage.