Meteora - Monastic City of Rocks

  

Day 3 : 3 Aug 2012

Had a good breakfast at the hotel. Bus pick-up at 8.30am.

Stopped at an icon shop before going up to Meteora. I won 1st prize in a raffle - an icon.

The golden age of Meteora was in the 16th century. In Greek, meteora means "suspended in air." 

Holy Meteora stands as the most important and largest centre of Orthodox Monasticism in Greece, after Mt. Athos. The stone giants, natural sandstone rock pillars,  are in north-west Thessaly, central Greece. The nearest town is Kalambaka*. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
                                                                               
*city surrounded by high walls

First traces of history of Meteora are shrouded in legends and folklore. In 11th century, desert dwellers nested in the cavities of the rocks. Towards end of 11th and beginning of 12th century, it was a small ascetic city.

In the 14th century, St Athanasios founded the Grand Meteoron monastery on the largest rock. It was a safe sanctuary for the monks - safe from political upheaval and with complete control of entry. The only means of reaching it was by climbing a long ladder, which was drawn up whenever the monks felt threatened.

Since then 24 monasteries and single dwellings flourished throughout the rock. Many are in ruins now. Only 6 monasteries are functioning today.

1st stop - Holy Monastery of St Stephen's
It is now a nunnery. Nuns live here. Saw the Holy Skull of St Charalambos in the church. Miracles associated with relic.
 

Most accessible monastery by vehicle

Damaged by Nazis in WW2.

courtyard - no photos to be taken in the church

Ladies wearing pants are given skirts to wear in the monastery.

2nd stop - Holy Monastery of Roussanou (St Barbara)
Walked down pathway and steps to church. A smaller nunnery with an outstanding view at entrance.

Further down the hill, there are also steps leading up to this monastery. Easier to walk down this way.

In the old days, the monks would use this ladder to climb into the monastery.

Other monasteries that we did not visit.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity. On top of the cliff. Main church built around 1476. Accessible by climbing over 100 steps.

Featured in the 1981 James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only' starring Roger Moore.

Monastery of Grand Meteoron (Transfiguration of Christ the Saviour).  Highest and largest of the monasteries.

Monastery of Grand Meteoron

I don't have photos of the other 2 monasteries - Varlaam & St Nicholas Ananpafsas.

After the monasteries, bus proceeded downhill to Kalambaka for 1 hour lunch break.

 Guide recommended restaurant to all. But, not hungry. Decided to explore town.

Lovely farmer's market. Bought fruits. Had delicious, sweet nectarine on 1st day in Aegina. Wanted to get some more here.

Bought spinach pie and pastries for return journey to Athens.

Left Kalambaka for Athens at 1pm. Long 5 and a half hour journey. Reached Athens about 6.30pm. Bus dropped people at various hotels in city. Tired after a long day.