“Leading” Greece - The “Sky City” of Meteora.

【Introduction】: Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air” or “above the sky,” is a term used to describe a unique geological formation on the northwestern edge of the Thessalian Plain. It is near the Peneus River and the Pindus Mountains, where massive gray pillars rise from the lush valleys, acting as a barrier between the divine and the mortal realms. The geological formation of Meteora is difficult to explain; they are not volcanic plugs made of hard igneous rock commonly found elsewhere, but rather sandstone and conglomerate that have been weathered and eroded over millions of years. While similar rock formations and weathering processes have occurred in many other places around the world, what makes Meteora unique is the very uniform composition of the deposited rocks, leaving very few vertical fault lines, making the surface of the rock pillars appear more complete. Among the six existing monasteries, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteora is the largest and oldest. In the mid-14th century, a few hermits from Mount Athos built this monastery on the cliffs to escape political upheaval, calling it the “Suspended Monastery.” They fully controlled the entrance to the monastery and would retract the rope ladder whenever they felt threatened from the outside world. The main church in the monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus. The second largest monastery is the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, built in the mid-16th century, located opposite the Holy Monastery of Great Meteora. The “square cross-in-square” main church has a dome and a spacious narthex. The most difficult to reach is the Monastery of Holy Trinity, perched atop a giant rock and built in 1475. From here, one can overlook the magnificent Thessalian Valley and truly understand the meaning of “the most beautiful scenery is found on the perilous peaks.” ⛺【Travel Tips】: Enjoy a worry-free car tour. 🛬【Itinerary】: Experience the different charms of the Sky City throughout the year. 🧡【Tips】: Open for visits all year round. @CommunityWelfare @CtripCommunityCreationCenter