The Long Way Round: 31 October 2013 – 1 November 2013

The World Heritage-listed Meteora is an important Greek Orthodox monastery complex (second only to Mt Athos) situated near the villages of Kastraki and Kalambaki. It’s an extraordinary place – consisting of massive pinnacles of smooth rock. There are 24 monasteries perched precariously on top of these rock pinnacles.

These immense solid rocks were formed by earthquakes and have been weathered by wind and water over millions of years.

We stayed at the small village of Kastraki, situated right underneath the towering rock formations.

In order to experience the unique beauty and follow the footsteps of the original holy men of Meteora, we spent the first day on foot and managed to visit 3 of the 6 monasteries that are open to the public.

Moni Agiou Nikolaou Anapafsa

Moni Varlaam

We were able to access this monastery by a small bridge. To reach most of the other monasteries, we had to climb down a ravine and then climb up several flights of steps hewn into the rocks.

Water or wine collection and storage point in Moni Varlaam – some people told us it was for water but the sign said it was for wine!!

Moni Megalo Meteorou, the largest monastery

Skulls and bones of deceased monks and martyrs at Moni Megalo Meteorou

We found a short cut back to the hotel – one of the once-secret monopatia (monk paths).

We were pretty exhausted after hiking around on day 1 and took the car on day 2.

Our first stop was the produce markets at Kalambaka

Checking the fish for freshness

Net and rope at Moni Agias Triados - up until the 1930s, this was the method for hauling up provisions and monks.

Beautifully manicured gardens inside Moni Agiou Stefanou which was inhabited by nuns

Removable rope ladder at Moni Agias Varvaras Roussanou which was also inhabited by nuns. The earliest monasteries were accessed by climbing these ladders – these have since been replaced with stone steps.