It’s mind-boggling to imagine how the first monks built the monasteries of Meteora in the 14th century, most notably the one in Peneas Valley located northeast of Kalabaka, Greece.

This Holy Trinity sits on top of a rocky precipe over 1300 feet, forming one of six surviving monasteries constructed on top of steep natural pillars in seemingly impossible locations. These clifftop monasteries of Meteora translate to “suspended in the air.”

Art on top of rocks

There were originally 24 total monasteries situated in central Greece. The cliffs of Meteora formed about 60 million years ago as a result of a mix of wind, rain, and earthquakes.

The first monks started building the complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the 14th century in search of isolation, protection from the Turks, and a greater connection with God. At one point, the complexes were only reachable by rope ladder.

Today, the eremite monasteries are proof that heaven can be a place on Earth.