Meteora
The Meteora (/ˌmɛtiˈɔːrə/; Greek: Μετέωρα, pronounced [meˈteora]) is a rock formation in the regional unit of Trikala, in Thessaly, in northwestern Greece, hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six (of an original twenty-four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the twenty-four monasteries were established atop the rocks. Meteora is located near the town of Kalabaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains.
| Meteora | |
|---|---|
| Native name Greek: Μετέωρα | |
Landscape of Meteora | |
| Location | Trikala Prefecture, Thessaly, Greece |
| Coordinates | 39°42′51″N 21°37′52″E |
| Area | Thessaly |
| Official name | Meteora |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, ii, iv, v, vii |
| Designated | 1988 (12th session) |
| Reference no. | 455 |
| Region | Europe |
Location in Greece | |
Meteora was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 because of the outstanding architecture and beauty of the complex, in addition to its religious and artistic significance.
The name means "lofty", "elevated", and is etymologically related to meteor.