In the regions of Thessaly and Phocis located in central Greece are found two spectacular sights that are an absolute must-see: Meteora Monasteries and Delphi Sanctuary. The clifftop Monasteries of Meteora seem to defy conventional thinking of what can possibly be built seven centuries ago on top of free standing natural pillars of rock. It is a popular destination for cruise ships located just 2 hours from the port city of Vollos or just under 3 hours from Thessaloniki.
Built into Mount Parnassus, the Sanctuary of Delphi was a destination for centuries for kings and many a traveller seeking the blessings and fortune provided by the Oracle of Delphi. As a two hour drive north from Athens, it is easily accessible either as a day trip or overnight stay. Without question, Bubbly Tourist highly recommends both these destinations on mainland Greece should your travel schedule allow it.
Index for Central Greece's Meteora Monasteries and Delphi Sanctuary Must-See Sights:
The Monasteries of Meteora
Out of 24 monasteries that existed in Meteora at one time, there are just six monasteries that remain functioning today. Bubbly Tourist had a chance to visit some of these monasteries and was completely in awe of each of these spectacular religious and spiritual destinations. This is a UNESCO World Heritage location.
Bubbly Tip: You'll need to dress appropriately to visit the inside of the monasteries. This means covered shoulders and knees for ladies and long pants for men.
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron (Great Meteoron)
The largest, oldest, and highest monastery, founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios, the Great Meteoron is perched on a 2,010-foot rock formation and has a church with 16th-century frescoes, a kitchen, and an ossuary. At the Holy Monastery are the chapels of the Mother of God (Virgin Mary of the Meteorite Stone), of Holy Baptist, of Saint Equal Apostles Constantine and Helen and of Saint Nektarios. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the monastery is the sacristy which contain shelves of the skulls of the monks who have lived there over the years.
Holy Trinity of Meteora
At one time, fifty monks lived at Holy Trinity, but by the early twentieth century, there were only five. Prior to the twentieth century, Holy Trinity had a very difficult approach, requiring crossing a valley and climbing through the rock outcrop to reach the building's entrance. Provisions were placed in baskets drawn up by rope-ladders (now with a winch).
Fun Fact: The Holy Trinity of Meteora was one of the film locations of James Bond's "For Your Eyes Only".
Varlaam
Named after the first monk to build a church on the rock in 1350, this monastery was abandoned for 200 years after his death. It is the second largest monastery behind the Great Meteoran Monastery. It was re-founded in 1517, it has a small museum in the old refectory, and is known for its great 16th-century frescoes. The male monastery can be accessed from the main road after climbing 195 steep steps carved in the rock. The gardens and courtyard are quite beautiful, so take time to linger under the pergola and take in the stunning vistas that surround you. Every now and then, a monk sits in the garden or church and starts conversations with the visitors.
Saint Stephen (Agios Stefanos)
Founded around the 14th century, this monastery is now a nunnery with 28 nuns. It is perched right above the town of Kalabaka. It has a small ecclesiastical museum and is considered the easiest monastery to visit because of its proximity to town and because it has no steps to climb and only a bridge to cross. The old church is now used exclusively for religious use by monks and opens for worship only twice per year at the celebrations of the monastery (December 27 and February 10). Outside, the gardens are truly beautiful and quite peaceful.
Bubbly Tip: there is a bathroom in the courtyard next to the garden. It's accessible via stairs located right next to the wall overlooking town.
The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, only 2.5 hours by car from Athens, you'll find the cute town of Delphi. Delphi sits right at the base of the Sanctuary of Apollo that includes the Temple of Apollo which housed the Oracle of Delphi. From the 8th century BC, kings and commoners alike would make the trek to visit the Oracle presenting gifts for a glimpse into their future. This priestess was believed to deliver prophecies directly from the Greek god Apollo and could influence many aspects of life, including when to plant crops and declare war. The setting of the Temple and today's museum, built around a sacred spring and tucked into the mountains, is just stunning. The Delphi Archaeolgical Museum is an essential part of the visit as it houses many of the relics and important statues of the Temple and of the Sanctuary in order to preserve them from nature's elements.
The Town of Delphi
Bubbly Tourist debated doing an organized day trip from Athens from one of the local tour companies, but opted to rent a car from the airport and spend the night in Delphi. Not only was this a cheaper option for us, but it had other advantages as well. Firstly, we were able to choose to see the temple first thing in the morning before it got too hot and before the crowds arrived. We practically had the site to ourselves. And secondly, staying in Delphi itself was an unexpected delight! The town sits on a cliff's edge with absolutely stunning views over the Corinthian Gulf, and has plenty of restaurants and shops to occupy your evening.
Skiing in Greece
On the way to Delphi just 15 minutes down the road, you'll pass through the lovely town of Arachova. Or if it's winter, and you're interested in skiing, you can reach the largest ski resort in Greece in under three hours by car from Athens and use Arachova as your base. The Parnassos Ski Center located at Mount Parnassus consists of 19 ski runs with a total length of 36 km (20 miles) with the longest being 4 km (2.4 miles). The highest altitude of the resort is at 2,250m (7400 feet) and the base is at 1,600m (1 mile).
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!
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