Our arrival to Meteora was really quite surprising. As with so many places we visit, I often write down the name and location of an interesting site months before we actually visit. By the time we go to visit I have completely forgotten what its significance is. We put Meteora into our GPS when leaving Makedonia, and just followed the chosen route. In hindsight, the route was probably less direct than others, but also probably the best. The GPS took us over the mountains along quiet country roads. The route was really remote, and we had no idea what to expect. When we crossed the final hill between us and the monasteries we were ecstatic.
The Greek Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora are some of the most impressive sites I have seen. Floating high above the valley are six monasteries precariously perched on top of enormous limestone pillars. The monasteries where constructed in the 1400's and 1500's. Most are simple. It is really their location that makes them so remarkable. Some you must climb carved stairs to reach. The view is remarkable from any of the pillars. The tiny village below seems even smaller from these high precipices.
