How many amazing monuments of nature, man-made heritage of mankind and secrets does Greece keep. Today we will tell you about one of its most amazing architectural masterpieces, which was created by several generations. It will be about the unique monasteries of Meteora in Greece. To get to them, you will have to go through a difficult, exhausting path, because they are located at a dizzying height right on the rocky ledges. But trust me, it's worth it!
How did
At first glance at the monumental complex, absurd thoughts visit the head. Maybe the gods themselves descended from the ancient Olympus and created this masterpiece? Otherwise, how is it possible to create something like this among impregnable rocks, at such a great height? It's just amazing.
According to local legend, the impregnable mountains of Thessaly were chosen by monks long before the fifth century. It was here that they spent time at prayers and led a hermitic lifestyle. At the high-altitude sites, believers spent long hours praying, trying to renounce the dark past and learn the true value of life. However, each monk here had his own thoughts, and from bad weather and for the night they hid in small caves, of which there are quite a few here today.
According to the official version, the first stone of one of the future monasteries was laid by a hermit known as Barnabas. This significant event happened in the distant 950. First, small sketes were formed, which united groups of monks around them, and much later they began to grow and turned into a huge monastic complex, consisting of separate buildings. This continued until the time when the territory of Greece did not begin to “tear” numerous tribes of invaders.
Today, these places are considered a real Greek “pearl”, which thousands of tourists from all over the world personally come to touch. The amazing image of rocks floating in the sky is complemented by huge stone monasteries, as if striving for clouds. It seems that the buildings are simply carved out of the rock itself. Already submitted? And now add fabulous sunrises and sunsets to the breathtaking picture … Personally, I begin to envy the inhabitants of the heights of Thessaly, before whose eyes such landscapes open daily!
Construction of monasteries
According to historians, the construction of temple structures was carried out in the most difficult conditions. All the necessary materials were brought up by hand using ordinary rope ladders and ropes. To overcome such a difficult path, the monk had to learn the basics of rock climbing and not be among the cowards.
Throughout the construction, the monks lived quite modestly. For example, the only source of water they had were crevices and niches cut right in the rocks, in which rainwater was collected, and they generally ate what the gods sent them. So it turns out that the titanic work was based on almost the same enthusiasm and faith.
What monasteries are included in the complex
The “floating in the air” temple complex includes several structures. Each building is unique and has many interesting facts in its rich history.
Monastery of Agiou Nikolaou Anapavs (Saint Nicholas)
The first monastery that I would like to stop at is called Agiou Nikolaou Anapavsa (which means the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in translation). The first mention of it dates back to 1500 years, which, according to some historians, is the time of its foundation. There is reason to believe that the initiator of the creation of the temple was Metropolitan Laris Dionysius, and the famous Cretan artist Theophan Batas-Strelitzas took part in the painting of the galleries of the building.
Rusanu monastery
No less interesting is the Rusanu Cathedral, which was founded a little later, around 1545. This majestic building is attributed to the brothers Joasaph and Maxim. The main pride is the most beautiful murals, as well as the amazingly beautiful carved wooden altar with gilding. Of great value are the iconostases placed inside, which deserve your attention.
Monastery Varlaam
It was founded in 1517. Theophan and Nectarius Apsara. The magnificent frescoes that adorn the main gallery are the work of the painting genius Franck Catalano and date back to 1548. It is here that the most ancient and valuable manuscripts, shrouds decorated with gold threads and many other artifacts are kept.
Cathedral of Agnas Triadas
It attracts with an unusual chapel, which is located almost on the highest point of the mountains. To appreciate its original structure, you will have to overcome an additional 140 steps carved into the rock.
Megalo Meteoro Council
Also known as Spaso-Preobrazhensky, it is considered one of the earliest. Its founder is considered to be Athanasius of Meteora, who at one time was a prominent associate of Orthodoxy. It is in this place that the most beautiful frescoes by the famous Feofan and the largest number of the rarest icons.
Monastery of Agiou Stefanou
It is the only building for nuns. Visiting it, tourists will be able to appreciate the impressive collection of relics.
How to get from Athens
If you are in Athens, you can take the bus that leaves from the station from Terminal B or the train from Larissis Station. Buy a round-trip ticket to save money. Useful information for those who have chosen the bus – it leaves the terminal every two hours from 7.30 to 15.30. You can get to Kalambaka in 4.5 hours.
For those who prefer to travel by rail, you need the 884 train going there and 885 on the way back. You will spend 5 hours on the road. If you rent a car, then you will need to cover almost 400 km through Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala, and signs along the way will be quite rare.
How to get from Thessaloniki
Want to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki? There is nothing easier. You can do it in 3 hours by train. When you reach Kalambaki by your chosen way, then follow to the Plateia Dimarhiou fountain. Next to it there is a stop from which a bus departs, following to the village of Kastraki. If you are traveling on weekdays, then keep in mind that the departure time is at 9 am and at 13.30, if on Saturday or Sunday, then at 8.20 and at 13.20.
By bus from the village you will reach the monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. You can also book a tour at any agency, which will allow everyone to touch the ancient history and see with their own eyes the legendary halls, painted with frescoes of the first inhabitants and huge libraries. It is here that the most valuable and ancient manuscripts are kept, which, thanks to hermits, have survived to our times since the Middle Ages.
Meteora itself is a religious shrine, is a modern place of pilgrimage for the Greeks and many foreigners, allows you to see the grandiose icons in their cultural and historical significance.
Greek Meteora, no doubt, deserve your attention. Go to the amazing right now!