The Meteora monasteries are considered among the most awe-striking sights in Greece. The name Meteora (“Μετεωρα”) means “hanging in the air," which perfectly describes these six remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries. The sandstone peaks were first inhabited by Byzantine hermits in the 11th century, who clambered up the rocks to be alone with God. The present monasteries were built in the 14th and 15th centuries and there were about 24 monasteries by the year 1500. Only six exist today, the four of which still host monastic communities.
A strict dress code is to be respected: all shoulders must be covered, men must wear long trousers and women must wear long skirts. The list of the monasteries is as follows:
Agia Triada Monastery
Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
Agios Stefanos Monastery
Great Meteoron Monastery
Roussanou Monastery
Varlaam Monastery
