Perched atop sheer cliffs, amid landscapes of untamed beauty, the monasteries of Greece inspire awe with their striking architecture.
There are places in Greece where the landscape is imposing, with sheer cliffs between deep gorges and absolute silence. It is precisely there that striking monasteries have been built, seeming to hang in mid-air, sometimes carved into the rock and other times perched on the peaks. These monastic complexes blend the wild beauty of nature with spirituality, creating images that remain unforgettable.
Meteora
The towering dark-hued rocks of Meteora, rising above Kalambaka, are a spectacle unique in the world. The famed monasteries, built on the summits of some of the rocks, comprise the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos. Of the thirty that existed historically, only six operate today (St Nicholas Anapafsas, Transfiguration of the Saviour or Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, Holy Trinity and St Stephen), which, since 1988, have been included on UNESCOs World Heritage List.
Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, Amorgos
The most important ecclesiastical monument of Amorgos, and one of Greeces loveliest sights, the rock-hewn Monastery of Hozoviotissa is built in a remote yet incredibly beautiful spot on the islands precipitous southern coast. Visible only from the open sea, it seems to cling to the cliff. 300 meters above the sea, the sheer rocks harmonize perfectly with the white geometric forms of the structure. To reach the monastery you must climb about 300 steps. The monks will treat you to loukoumi and chilled water.
Kipina Monastery, Kalarrytes
The Kipina Monastery, one of Epiruss most impressive monasteries, is built in the hollow of a vertical rock in the Tzoumerka, near the village of Kalarrytes. The monastery was built in 1212 and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. Beyond its location, its frescoes also impress. Access is via a path hewn into the rock and a wooden bridge.
Mega Spilaio Monastery, Kalavryta
The historic Mega Spilaio Monastery is built at the opening of a large natural cave on a vertical rock, above the steep gorge of the Vouraikos River, 10 km from the town of Kalavryta. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. Perfectly attuned to the areas wild and dramatic landscape, the monasterys eight-story complex impresses visitors.
Prodromos Monastery, Stemnitsa
Between the villages of Stemnitsa and Dimitsana in Mountainous Arcadia, the historic Monastery of St John the Baptist, built at the base of a towering vertical rock, seems to hover in the Lousios Gorge. It is one of the largest and most beautiful monasteries in the Peloponnese. The monasterys balcony offers sweeping views of the gorges wild beauty.
Elonas Monastery, Leonidio
Roughly halfway along the route from Leonidio to the village of Kosmas, the Monastery of Elonas dominates the scene, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. Built on a precipitous reddish rock, with superb views of the surrounding area, it is one of the best-known monasteries of Arcadia. Today it is a womens monastery.
Prousos Monastery, Karpenisi
Prousos Monastery, 30 km from Karpenisi and 2 km from the village of the same name, is a spiritual and pilgrimage center for the entire area. It is built in an imposing landscape, in a precipitous, rocky area between Mounts Chelidona, Kaliakouda and the Panaitoliko range, which is covered with fir trees. The complex includes a guesthouse and a museum with precious relics, icons, and books, as well as part of Karaiskakis weaponry.
Simonopetra Monastery, Mount Athos
The imposing Simonopetra Monastery stands at the southwestern tip of the Athonite Peninsula, set on a precipitous granite rock that rises 300 meters above sea level and seems almost to hang. It was founded in the mid-13th century by Saint Simon and is considered the most daring edifice of Mount Athos.
