Incredible suspended monasteries that defy gravity since the Middle Ages: Where are they?

In the heart of Thessaly, north of Greecethere is a landscape that seems straight out of a story: enormous pillars of rock rise vertically towards the sky, as if they were the work of giants, and at their tops rise amazing monasteries suspended that defy logic and time.

From afar, the scene seems impossible: temples hanging from cliffs, crosses silhouetted against the horizon and stairs that disappear into the clouds. For centuries this place It was a spiritual refuge and a center of monastic life that seemed inaccessible.

The rock formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion, offered a perfect setting for isolation, contemplation and the search for the divine. Today, that same environment continues to arouse amazement in each visitor, combining a architectural heritage very valuable with one of the most impressive natural views in Europe.

A Panoramic view of Meteora, the Greek region where the monasteries «suspended» in the height are located. Photo: Wikipedia

His name is Meteor -“suspended in the air” in Greek- and it is World Heritage Site UNESCO. Not only because of the beauty of its landscapes or the historical value of its monasteries, but because it represents a perfect synthesis between nature, faith and culture. Visiting it is much more than an excursion: it is a journey through time to a world that still preserves the mystical spirit of the Byzantine past and the Middle Ages.

How this spiritual refuge in the heights was born

The history of Meteora dates back to the 11th century, when hermit monks arrived in this region looking for a safe place to live in isolation and dedicate themselves to prayer.. Wars, Ottoman invasions and internal conflicts turned these inaccessible peaks into an ideal refuge. What began as small caves excavated in the rock ended, over time, in a monumental monastic complex.

During the 14th centuries y XVthe rise of religious life led to build up to 24 monasteries on these natural columns. Materials were transported with pulleys and ropes, and monks climbed on nets or rope ladders, in an effort that was both physical and spiritual. The isolation was absolute: reaching the “heavenly world” required overcoming the barriers of the earthly world..

Meteora, a beautiful region to visit in Greece.

With the passage of time, the monastic community of Meteora not only survived, but became a symbol of cultural resistance and religious. Today only six monasteries are still activebut each of them retains its sacred character and its historical legacy intact.

A landscape that combines architecture, faith and vertigo

Meteora is not only impressive because of its history: it is also impressive because of the way in which it isThe human being managed to adapt to an extreme environment. Each monastery is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, built with local stone and decorated with frescoes and icons that recount biblical scenes in impressive detail.

Las main churches -known as katholikón– are surrounded by cells, courtyards, refectory and libraries, many of which house ancient manuscripts and sacred relics. The contrast between the interior, rich in art and devotion, and the exterior, exposed to the wind and emptiness, creates a unique experience for those who visit.

Meteora, a beautiful region to visit in Greece.

The view from the heights is another of its great attractions. From each viewpoint you can see the valleys of Thessaly, the Pindus mountains and the rest of the rock formations that they seem sculpted by gods. It’s a medieval scene perfect for photography, hiking or just stopping and contemplating the silence.

The monasteries not to be missed

Of the six active monasteries, each has its own charm. Some of the most notable are: