How many amazing natural monuments, man-made treasures of mankind and secrets are kept by Greece. Today we will tell you about one of its most amazing architectural masterpieces, which was created for several generations. It will focus on 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 believe me, it's worth it!
How did
From the first glance at the monumental complex, absurd thoughts come to mind. Maybe the gods themselves descended from ancient Olympus and created this masterpiece? Otherwise, how is it possible to create something like this among the inaccessible rocks, at such a great height? It's just amazing.
According to local legend, the inaccessible mountains of Thessaly were chosen by monks long before the fifth century. It was here that they spent time at prayer services and led a hermitic lifestyle. On 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 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. At 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" the numerous tribes of invaders.
Today these places are considered a real Greek “pearl”, which thousands of tourists from all over the world come to personally touch. The amazing image of rocks soaring in the sky is complemented by huge, as if striving for the clouds, monasteries made of stone. It seems that the buildings are simply hewn out of the rock itself. Have you already submitted? And now add to the breathtaking picture the fabulous sunrises and sunsets ... Personally, I am beginning to envy the inhabitants of the heights of Thessaly, before whose eyes such landscapes open up every day!
Construction of monasteries
According to historians, the construction of temple structures was carried out in the most difficult conditions. All the necessary materials were delivered upstairs 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 a coward.
Throughout the construction, the monks lived rather modestly. For example, the only source of water they had were cracks 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 practically on one enthusiasm and faith.
Which monasteries are included in the complex
The structure of the "soaring in the air" temple complex includes several structures. Each building is unique and has many interesting facts in its rich history.
Agiu Nikolaou Anapavsa (Saint Nicholas) Monastery
The first monastery I would like to stay at is called Agiu Nicolaou Anapavsa (which means St. Nicholas Cathedral). 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 Theophanes Batas-Strelitsas 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 magnificent building is attributed to the brothers Joasaph and Maxim. The main pride is the beautiful paintings, as well as the amazingly beautiful wooden carved with gilding altar. The iconostases placed inside are of great value and deserve your attention.
Varlaam monastery
It was founded in 1517. Theophanes and Nectarios Apsara. The magnificent frescoes that adorn the main gallery are the work of painting genius Franck Catalano and date back to 1548. It is here that the most ancient and valuable manuscripts, shroud decorated with golden threads and many other artifacts are kept.
Agnas Triadas Cathedral
It attracts with an unusual chapel, which is located almost at the highest point of the mountains. To appreciate its original structure, you will have to climb an additional 140 steps carved into the rock.
Megalo Meteoro Cathedral
Also known as Spaso-Preobrazhensky, it is considered one of the earliest. Its founder is considered to be Athanasius Meteorsky, who at one time was a prominent companion of Orthodoxy. It is in this place that the most beautiful frescoes by the famous Theophanes and the largest number of the rarest icons.
Agiu Stefanou Monastery
It is the only building for nuns. Having visited 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 departs from the station from Terminal B or the train from Larissis station. To save money, buy a round-trip ticket. 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 train 884, which follows there and 885 on the way back. You will spend 5 hours on the road. If you have a rented car, then you will need to cover almost 400 km through Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala, and signs on the way will be quite rare.
How to get from Thessaloniki
Want to get to Meteor from Thessaloniki? It couldn't be easier. You can do it in 3 hours by train. When you reach Kalambaka by your chosen route, follow the Plateia Dimarhiou fountain. Next to it there is a bus stop from which a bus goes to the village of Kastraki. If you travel 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 13.20.
By bus from the village you will reach the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. You can also book an excursion 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 the hermits, have survived to our times since the Middle Ages.
Meteora itself is a religious shrine, is a modern place of pilgrimage for Greeks and many foreigners, and allows you to see icons that are grandiose in their cultural and historical significance.
The Greek Meteora are undoubtedly worthy of your attention. Go to meet the amazing now!
