Saturday, October 29, 2011

Meteora Monasteries

We visited the Meteora Monasteries during our cruise in Greece a month ago . From the dock in Volos we travelled by bus passing through agricultural lands, villages, and towns and up the mountains with giant rocks.

Hundred of years ago ( 11th century) hermits climbed these massifs to live inside the cracks and caves to spend their lives in contemplation. I tried to imagine the hermits braved the climb during all weathers, living inside the very narrow space inside the rocks,and how they spent the days and nights.

It was told that the local villagers helped the hermits bringing them food and other material by using ladders to transport things.The old ladders can still be seen on the side of the mountains.

Later, in the 16th century, monks started to erect these monasteries. The 500 steps to reach one monastery was worth the effort. And certainly, the view.

9 comments:

Alyce said...

I have never heard of those before - what a fascinating place to visit. I think I'd have less trouble being a hermit than I would climbing those rocks all the time. ;)

Anonymous said...

Wow. Those are beautiful and very remote. I have no head for heights. Would be torture for me. LOL

Vicki said...

WOW! The photos are amazing so I can only imagine how spectacular it would be to see in person!
Here's My Photo

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Impressive photos. I'm always intrigued by structures built on almost impossible sites. Thanks for sharing!

Trish said...

Those buildings are lovely but look very precarious. I'm sure the views must have been stunning!

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Absolutely beautiful!

edgar said...

Thank you everyone for all your nice comments.
edgar

Marie said...

Simply stunning. That would be a wonderful place to visit.

bermudaonion said...

Wow, your photos are stunning! I can't imagine living someplace so isolated.