Meteora, Thessaloniki - Greece

METEORA means "IN MID AIR", THE ROUSSANOU MONASTERY stands perched on almost an in accessible pinnacle of rock, 1000 feet above the flat PINIOS valley. There are more than 60 cones like structures jutting out from the earth below created by thrusts of the sea floor and then etched by the elements of weather over the years into different shapes.

DESIRE TO BE HERE…..

“I am just too excited to visit THE METEORA”, and experience a feeling of light headedness by standing atop this spike like structure overlooking the vast terrain below me…!
History has always intimidated me, discovering what kind of life the monks lead during the early ages, perplexes me. A desire and ache to know what kind of perseverance they shared to have built these huge peculiar structures, accessible only by ladders then, would definitely be an enriching experience.
I would also love to interact and spend some time with the few monks and the nuns who continue to live in these strange surroundings.

RECOMMENDATIONS…

  • The Meteora Monasteries are open to all visitors for day time visits. It would be advisable to visit 2 on a single day. History lovers like me must visit these for their religious art works collected over the centuries.
  • The Meteora is accessible from Athens and recommended place to stay is DELLAS Hotel near Kalambaka on the way to the Monastery.
  • Best time to visit would be the feast days of the Patron Saints of the various Monasteries.

Highlights

  • During the 9th century as the turks took over the mainland, the hermit monks discovered these rocks to be safe refuges and hence started living in the caves. So by the 16th century, 24 monasteries and hermitages had been built, the only way up being through rectractable ladders and nets.
  • Since then steps to these monasteries have been hewn into the rocks and now are accessible by paths and road as well
  • "Megalou Meteorou" is the grandest, highest, oldest monastery, built of massive rocks on the highest peak in the 14th century. 
  • Within these hallowed walls are spartan living quarters, contrasting the churches decorated with frescos and icons. The libraries are filled with ancient books and manuscripts.
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