Meteora

Truth be told, it could be the set for a futuristic film or trippy video clip.

But, it is real and it has been there for millions of years, overlooking the, otherwise ordinary, town of modern Kalambaka.
And there they are, not one or two, but more than 800 freestanding sandstone pillars and pinnacles standing next to one another, reaching up to 400 meters high at the end of the mighty Pindus range in western Greece ends in an explosion of uncanny geological wizardry , the Meteora.

Unfortunately, no photographic effort has yet captured the full majesty of the place, the breathtaking 360°-scenery of a rare geological phenomenon.

In the 11th century, Greek monks & hermits began living among the rocks of Meteora, and started building monasteries in the 14th century.

Originally, there were 33 Eastern Orthodox monasteries making it one of the faith’s most important sites, second only to Mt. Athos.

The monasteries were built on the summit of these rocks , & they offer complete isolation.

For most of its history, the only way to reach them were by long ladders, ropes, and nets.

Today the six that survive form a World Heritage Site, including the monastery featured in the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”.

Also are known to lovers of nature and climbing as all around are opportunities for unforgettable walks, drives and mountain sports.
There are plenty of natural trails to explore and nearby towns and villages to discover in order to understand local life and taste the unique monastic diet, which has influenced the local gastronomy.

Meteora , the place to see a unique hidden monk jail..