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which is the name given to the group of tall, precipitous rocks that predomi-
nate in that area, together with the monastic community that is formed by the
monasteries which are built on top of them, being located half way between
earth and the heavens. The rock formations were created by erosion when they
were underwater millions of years ago. They were moulded by the river waters,
winds and pressure, giving us these lovely and weird rock shapes.

The Holy Meteora is the second most important monastic community,
after Mount Athos in Macedonia (Northern Greece). It has been acknowledged
by UNESCO as a Monument of Global Cultural Heritage. Since 1995 the
Greek State acknowledged the holiness of Meteora in law, characterising it as
sacred, intact and inviolate, so as to secure its authenticity and assure its e?ec-
tive protection.

The site of this unique place strikes the visitor with a curious mixture of
awe and amazement. This is heightened by the fact that many became monks
here, building amazing monastic complexes on the top of rocks, away from
cities and people, becoming hermits, ?nding spiritual tranquillity. It was the
ideal refuge for the hermits and the anchorites, who put their lives in danger by

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