Just a few kilometres from the Greek town of Kalambaka are the famous Meteora is one of the largest and most revered monastery complexes in Greece. Monasteries nestled on the tops proudly on the North-Western edge of the Thessalian plain and the incredible beauty of its huge steep cliffs. These rocks are quite rare geological phenomenon and were formed about 60 million years ago. Actually, thanks to its unique location of the monasteries and got its name because in Greek the word "Meteora" means "suspended in the air".

Most researchers believe that the first monastery of the Holy spirit was founded here in the middle of the 10th century a certain Barnabas. Although it is likely that these hard rocks were chosen by hermits much earlier. For a long time the settlers lived in caves and rock cavities, rising to the top of an impregnable stone arrays using interchangeable wooden scaffolding (later stage were replaced with suspended ladders and winch with a grid). In 1160 founded the skete Stagi (Dupioni), which became the "progenitor" of organized monastic community.

In 1334 on the thessalian land, together with a group of like-minded people arrived the monk Athanasii Metersky, who left mount Athos because of the invasion of the Corsair. It is believed that Athanasius and gave these rocks the name "Meteora". He also founded the famous monastery of the Transfiguration, or the Great meteor - the largest of the famous Meteora, situated at the very high and inaccessible rock, at altitude 613 m above sea level. From this moment begins the heyday of Meteors. By the 16th century, a unique location that allows you to best protect themselves from the attack of robbers and thieves, as well as strict observance of laws and rules laid down by St. Athanasius, helped to create a thriving monastic community with many monasteries (24).

Unfortunately, to this day preserved and there are only six monasteries of the Transfiguration monastery (Great meteor), the monastery of Varlaam, monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Holy monastery of rousanou (Saint Barbara), the monastery of St. Stephen and St. Nicholas monastery of Agios Nikolaos. Besides the fantastic scenery, breathtaking panoramic views and stunning atmosphere of peace and tranquility these shrines is interesting for its architecture, an abundance of beautiful old frescoes, icons and other religious relics.

In 1988, the Meteors were included in the list of UNESCO world heritage site and today are one of the most interesting and popular sights in Greece. In 1922, the rocks had cut stairs that has greatly facilitated access to the monasteries (monks and numerous pilgrims and tourists).