The area of Meteora – Pyli Geopark offers a rich cultural heritage from the beginning of human presence in Greece until today. The variety of cultural sites and monuments as well as the rich intangible heritage of the area are important resources of the Meteora – Pyli Geopark.
The cultural highlight of the Geopark is undoubtedly the complex of monasteries built on top of the Meteora cliffs, which have been included in the World Heritage Sites. Although there are museums in each monastery, their premises can be considered as museums as a whole. Wonderful examples of Byzantine and post-Byzantine architecture provide invaluable knowledge to scholars and the general public. Famous painters such as Theophanes the Cretan (founder of the Cretan School of Painting) and Fragkos Katelanos created their masterpieces in the monasteries of Meteora. The monasteries are unique examples of religious architecture (Byzantine and post-Byzantine), hosting remarkable works of art (frescoes, icons, manuscripts, vestments, silverware, etc.).
The surviving monuments of Meteora represent an indicative example of late Byzantine religious architecture and painting. The impressive monasteries were founded in the 15th century and are typical examples of human determination. They were the field in which anonymous and famous architects, painters, craftsmen and workers excelled.
WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT
Monastery Symplex
According to Greek mythology, the presence of the rocks in Meteora is due to the famous battle between the Titans and the Olympian gods, when Zeus used the Hekatogares (giants with a hundred hands) to lift huge rocks and throw them at the Titans.
Local Traditions
In the area of the Geopark of Meteora – Pyli there is a great variety of intangible cultural heritage, as the location and its influences have shaped many elements of everyday life, which is evident in the traditional recipes with local ingredients, the great tradition in music and songs, the traditional handicrafts, as well as the various festivals and events that accompany the intense cultural character of the area such as:
