High above the Plain of Thessaly in central Greece, giant sandstone pillars pierce the clouds. Perched precariously on top of these 1,000-foot (304.8-meter) rock formations sit massive religious temples. The name of this place translates to “suspended in the air.” For thousands of years, hermits and monks scaled these sheer cliffs to escape the world below. They constructed massive complexes on the narrow summits, accessing them only by swinging nets and rickety ladders. Today, these ancient structures still operate high above the ground, hiding secret cable cars, rooms full of skulls, and incredible historical artifacts.
From Ancient Caves to Sky-High Hermits
The story begins deep inside the geological structures themselves. The earliest human inhabitants lived in the cliffside caves roughly 23,000 years ago. By the 9th Century, a figure named Saint Athanasios Koinovitis led a group of followers to these rocky pillars. They were searching for reclusive monks who had already mastered free-climbing the treacherous terrain. Koinovitis encouraged his followers to establish their own isolated haven at the very top. This led to the construction of the Great Meteoron Monastery, a massive complex built directly into the cliffside.
Escaping Danger via Ropes and Baskets
As political turmoil and Turkish attacks threatened the region, the monks needed ultimate protection. They expanded their construction, eventually building 24 different monasteries across the towering summits. For four centuries, reaching these lofty sanctuaries required extreme risk. Monks and supplies had to be hoisted up the 1,000-foot (304.8-meter) drops using windlasses, hanging ladders, and large nets. According to historical accounts, the ropes holding these baskets were only replaced when they completely snapped. This dangerous daily commute kept the isolated monks safe from ground invasions.
Preserved History and Modern Tourism
In the 1920s, workers carved rock steps into the cliffs, changing how people reached the peaks. In 1988, UNESCO granted the site world heritage status. Currently, only six of the original 24 monasteries remain active. Four are strictly for men, and two, including the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen, are for women. Visitors exploring the Megalo Meteoro Monastery can still view a wooden cabinet stacked entirely with the skulls of deceased monks. The site also features remnants of the original open-air cable cars that once ferried residents between the peaks.
Scaling the Iron Road and Surrounding Trails
The sheer cliffs now draw rock climbers eager to scale the craggy surface, often tackling forged paths like the “Iron Road.” In the valleys below, outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the rugged terrain by mountain biking through the surrounding plains. The stunning visual of the temples has also caught the attention of filmmakers. The towering structures appeared in major film productions like Indiana Jones and the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.