Roussanou Monastery, Meteora, Thessaly, Greece

On top of the world. The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece

When you think of Greece, you might picture sea, sandy shores, whitewashed buildings and blue domes. However, there is so much more to this country. Pictured here is the Roussanou Monastery, nestled amidst the towering cliffs of a rock formation called Meteora in Thessaly, northern Greece. Legend has it that in the 14th century, a group of monks seeking refuge from political turmoil scaled these cliffs to establish their hermitages. Roussanou is one of the six remaining monasteries in the Meteora UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you've conquered the climb, you'll be greeted by stunning panoramic views, but the real treasures lie within the monastery itself—a world of Byzantine art and architecture. This style emerged in the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th century CE until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. So, are you ready to take the climb?