Meteora

The collection of Eastern Orthodox monasteries that make up Meteora is one of Greece's most well-known and picturesque attractions, second only to Mount Athos in terms of prominence. Built on top of enormous granite columns that abruptly emerge from the ground, the monasteries from the fourteenth century provide commanding views of the Plain of Thessaly. Meteora still contains six active monasteries, which originally numbered a total of 24, and are home to chapels, cathedrals, and caverns, as well as magnificent murals and historic religious artifacts. Visitors must climb several flights of stone stairs carved into the rock in order to reach the spectacular monasteries of Meteora. Views of the beautiful countryside below are magnificent from these winding trails.

Due to the complex's stunning design, religious importance, and aesthetic value, Meteora was included into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The term is etymologically linked to meteor and signifies "lofty" and "elevated". These structures' architecture is largely athonite in nature. Six are still in operation today, but the majority of the others are in ruins. They are currently reachable by steps and trails carved out of the rock formations, perched upon steep cliffs.

Location: Thessaly, Greece