Just a few kilometers from the Greek city of Kalambaka Meteora are famous - one of the largest and most revered monasteries in Greece. Monasteries comfortably settled at the tops of stands proudly on the northwestern edge of the Thessalian plain and the incredible beauty of its huge steep cliffs. These rocks are themselves quite rare geological phenomenon and were formed about 60 million. Years ago. Actually, thanks to its unique location, monasteries and got its name because in Greek the word "meteor" literally means "floating in the air."

Most researchers believe that the first monastery of the Holy Spirit was founded in the mid 10th century some Barnabas. While it is likely that these rocks were inaccessible hermits are chosen much earlier. For a long time the settlers settled in caves and rock pits, climbing to the top of the towering stone arrays using interchanged wooden scaffolding (subsequently the stage were replaced with ladders and outboard winch with a grid). In 1160 the monastery was founded Stag (Dupiani), which became the "progenitor" of organized monastic community.

In 1334, at the Thessalian land with a group of like-minded Reverend Athanasius arrived Meteorsky, who left Mount Athos because of the invasion of Corsair. It is believed that Athanasius and gave these rocks called "Meteora." He also founded the famous Monastery of the Transfiguration or Great Meteor - the largest of the famous Meteor, located on the highest and inaccessible rock at an altitude of 613 meters above sea level. From that moment it begins flowering of meteors. By the 16th century, a unique location that allows you to best protect themselves from invasion robbers and bandits, as well as strict adherence to the laws and rules laid back Athanasia, has created a thriving monastic community with a lot of monasteries (24 known).

Unfortunately, we have survived and are only six monasteries - Monastery of the Transfiguration (Great Meteora), Varlaam Monastery, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity Monastery Rusanov (St. Barbara), Convent of St. Stephen and the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas. In addition to the fantastic scenery, breathtaking panoramic views and stunning atmosphere of peace and tranquility this shrine interesting for its architecture, an abundance of beautiful ancient frescoes, icons and other church relics.

In 1988, the Meteors were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is now one of the most exciting and popular attractions of Greece. In 1922, in the rocks were cut stage, which greatly facilitated the access to the monastery (the monks and the many pilgrims and tourists).