The Meteora Greece-Sandstone column And the ancient history of Monasteries 

Meteora Greece

The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most dense built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. The six (original 24) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the landscape of the area. 24 monasteries were established atop the rocks, between the 13th and 14th centuries. Meteora is located near the town of Kalabaka at the northwestern edge of Thessaly near the Pineios river and the Pindus Mountains. The name Meteor means “lofty”, and “elevated”. Meteora declares a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 because of the outstanding architecture and beauty of the complex and religious significance.

Geology

In the vicinity of the Pindos Mountains, in the western region of Thessaly, these unique and enormous columns of rock are typical elsewhere. The rocks are composed of a mixture of sandstone and conglomerate. The conglomerate was formed by the deposition of stone, sand, and mud from streams flowing into a delta at the edge of a lake, over millions of years. About 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period, a series of earth movements pushed the seabed upward, creating a huge column.

high plateau and causing many vertical fault lines in the thick layer of sandstone. The huge rock pillars were formed by weathering by water, wind, and extremes of temperature on the vertical faults. It is unusual that this conglomerate formation and type of weathering are confined to a relatively localized area within the surrounding mountain formation. This type of rock formation and weathering process has happened in many other parts of the world.

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Excavations and research have discovered petrified diatoms, which is a major thing to understand the Palaeo-climate and climate changes. Radiocarbon dating reveals the human presence in this area back 50,000 years.  Vegetation grows thickly in the vertical rock walls mainly due to the water that is able to store in the cracks and crevices. It is revealed in the research that the Meteora was easily accessible by foot for 100 years but one must pass through an impenetrable jungle. An earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter Scale shook the rocks in 1954, but thin pillars still stand today.

Meteora Greece tour

Mount Meteora Greece

There are various Mounts of Meteora that surround the village of Kastraki and border the north side of the main town of Kalabaka. The Rock pillar is of different heights where various names monastery have located.

Meteora Greece monastery

Meteora monasteries Landscape is one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. Meteora is a great place to experience, a spectacular landscape and Byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house artifacts and wall paintings. Today only 6 monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora. The nearest big town near Meteora is Kalabaka, and the picturesque village of Kastraki where a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars touches the sky. On top of them, the famous Meteora monasteries are situated.

Meteora Outdoor activities

Hiking Meteora tour

Hiking in Meteora is a unique convergence of nature and spirituality that is anyplace else in Greece.  Discover the paths of the first monks and see this unique geological phenomenon walking at its heart. Hiking in Meteora gives you the opportunity to see the monasteries and landscape and this is the best thing to do in Meteora. The views of Kalabaka, Kastraki, and the Meteora valley throughout the walk are simply stunning. The hiking Guide will be with you to give you the best information about the area.

Majestic Sunset on Meteora 

The sunset at Meteora is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best viewpoint on the rocks is to watch the sun setting behind the mountain range of Pindos. Here according to Greek mythology, you will see god Helios on his fiery chariot taking his horses to rest. The hidden gems of Meteora’s smooth light of the evening will offer many chances for incredible photos. The Byzantine church is one of the most important monuments, situated in the old city of Kalabaka. For Hundred of years in the walls of the church, the marble of an ancient temple was hidden. The marble belonged to the temple of God Apollo. Travellers are able to see God’s face represented as the Sun.

Morning Meteora Tour

Travelers can see Kalabaka or Kastraki and enjoy a comprehensive Meteora half-day tour, seeing the area of Meteora, all 6 Holy Monasteries with the chance to visit inside 3 of them. Visualize why and how the first monks managed to establish one of the biggest monastic communities in Greece on top of these unique rocks. The panoramic views of the area offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plenty of stops at the viewpoints and with short walks, you can imagine the geological phenomena that had to occur so these impressive rocks could form.

Sources- meteora.com, Visitmeteora.travel, wikipedia.org and theculturetrip.com