The history of building monasteries on top of perilous cliffs near Meteora occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries. Even prior to this, in the 11th century, religious communities had established hermitages at the foot of these cliffs. In the 14th century, the titular emperor of Serbs and Greeks, John Uroš, became a monk and moved to Meteora; he endowed, rebuilt and established monasteries here. During the political upheavals in the region during this century, monks retreated to the safe haven offered by the cliffs.[1] Dometius was said to be the first monk at the site of Holy Trinity, arriving according to local legend, in 1438.[2] Holy Trinity according to many sources was built in 1475–76,[3] though some sources say the construction dates of the monastery and its adjoining chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, are unknown.[4] Holy Trinity's decoration was added in 1741. By end of the fifteenth century, there were 24 such monasteries, such as Holy Trinity, St. Barbara Rousanou, and St. Nicholas Anapafsas.[1] Damascene, Jonah, and Parthenios, were benefactors and those who took part in restorations; their names grace the monastery walls.[4]

Only six of the original monasteries are still occupied, including Holy Trinity.[5] These six – Holy Trinity, St. Stephen, Rousanou, St. Nicholas Anapafsas, Varlaam, and the Great Meteoron – make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site entitled Meteora.[6][7] The UNESCO inscribing was done under criteria in 1988.[8] I, II, IV, V and VII.[9][10]