From the world famous sheer rock outcrops of Meteora to the monasteries on the all-male monastic communities of Mt. Athos and the fascinating religious centers of Arcadia prefecture in the central Peloponnese, Greece is dotted with amazing cliff-hanging dwellings that often seem to defy the very laws of gravity.

These amazing Orthodox Christian monasteries, some dating to the early Byzantine period, are among the most popular attractions on the east Mediterranean country’s mainland as well as on several isles, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year.

People flock to these spiritual centers to enjoy their serenity, their awe-inspiring beauty and the quintessential Grecian landscape that surrounds them.

See below a selection of the most impressive “hanging” monasteries of Greece

Prodromou Monastery, Arcadia prefecture, southern Greece

Hozoviotissa Monastery, Amorgos island

Moni Proussou, Evritania prefecture, central Greece

Elonis Monastery, Arcadia prefecture

Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora, Trikala prefecture, central Greece

Simonos Petras Monastery, Mt. Athos, Halkidiki prefecture, northern Greece