The Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, pronounced [mɛˈtɛoɾɐ], is a formation of immense monolithic pillars and hills-like huge rounded boulders which dominate the local area. The six monasteries are built on natural conglomerate pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria[2] I, II, IV, V and VII.[3]