Amazing Moteora Monastery in Greece
The word
Meteora means literally 'hovering in the air' and of course brings to mind the
word meteor. What created this rare geological phenomenon is one of the
mysteries of nature and there are many theories though they remain theories and
none have been proven.
But as
amazing a marvel of nature as these giant rocks are the buildings on the top of
these are a marvel of man and seem just as miraculous and make Meteora one of
the most spectacular places to visit in Greece.
The area
of Meteora was originally settled by monks who lived in caves within the rocks
during the 11th Century. But as the times became more unsure during an age of
Turkish occupation, brigandry and lawlessness, they climbed higher and higher
up the rock face until they were living on the inaccessable peaks where they
were able to build by bringing material and people up with ladders and baskets
and build the first monasteries. This was also how the monasteries were reached
until the nineteen twenties and now there are roads, pathways and steps to the
top.
The two
closest villages to Meteora are Kalambaka and Kastraki and these are where most
people stay. The name Kalambaka comes from the Turkish word Kalembak which
means beautiful fortress. The village
of Kastraki in the shade
of the rocks of Meteora is a popular destination for the rock climbers who can
walk out the door of their hotel and be climbing in a few minutes.
-Agia
Triada or Holy Trinity was founded in the 15th century and was the monastery
used for the James Bond film
"For
Your Eyes Only";
-Varlaam
Monastery was founded in 1517;
-Roussanou
Monastery was founded in 1545;
-Monastery
of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas was built in the 16th century;-Megalo Meteoro or
Metamorphisis, the first church of the Transfiguration is the best known of the
Monasteries and is built upon the highest rock;
-Agios Stefanos is the only convent in Meteora
and has an unimpeded view of the plain towards Kalambaka;
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