Meteora Monasteries: Greece's Sky-High Sanctuaries

Meteora’s monasteries are tucked away in a small cluster of villages in Greece just a century and a half ago. (You'll find them near Kalampaka, Greece.) Their most distinctive feature is the natural sandstone pillars they stand on— the rocks are not man-made supports. A different monastery stands on each chunk of rock. Today, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most common questions about the monasteries is how people got up the rock formations to live there. The monks were clever. They found a way to carve hand and foot holds into the rock and also crafted ladders to help them climb up and down the rocks.

A 이야기를교회, Raised on Pillars

Mere steps away from civilization flies the mythology of these monasteries over centuries. Some are only accessible by bridge. The monasteries date back to the 14th century, when a group of hermits fled Constantinople to escape religious persecution. A whole generation of monasteries were built right into the cliff, reachable to the outside world only by ropes and ladders. The natural shape of the rocks helped determine the architecture. This use of the rocks as the literal foundation to the structure makes them unique.

Spiritual isolation in the modern day

A century ago, the monasteries were more isolated. Yet today, this isolation has turned into a magnet that draws thousands of tourists, spiritual explorers, and Honduran climbers. All want to engage with the mystery of what it means to live on top of a cliff while trying to make sense of the purpose behind the ancient structures. People are drawn to the settlements for a brief glimpse of the monastic life of the past. To get there, you can physically hike or climb to the top if you're a few hours or a day's worth of the climber. Over the years, the paths, bridges, and steps carved out of the rocks have been upgraded.

The Protection from an Age of Hell

Fortress monastery

After the Ottoman Turks invaded Greece, the metamorphosis of the monasteries was a blessing in disguise. The high walls and narrow corridors were a fortress-like environment which provided the monks with a safe space enabling them to prevent the Turks from invading and decimating their way of life. Some monks had chosen to die rather than leave their monasteries. The Byzantine castles and decorations that were both ambitiously and carefully etched onto the rock around them, unlike anything else in the world, add to its uniqueness. The Byzantine Empire was famous for its Byzantine churches and art, well suited for this environment.

Narrow walkways

Bridges built over centuries connect the monasteries. Some are even joined by staircase bridges that are self-supporting and narrow walkways which are spread across the mountain tops. These routes are supported by chains and handrails to withstand the powerful winds.

The nudges

The actual graffiti seen in the monasteries are often in the form of inscriptions and drawings inspired by powerful ascetics. This shows that the priests who lived there were not just in communion with the Bible. However, they made efforts to both communicate and connect with the time and place they lived in. Their carvings allowed them to be free of earthly cares.

The unbuilt monasteries

Six monasteries were made accessible to the public at one point in time. However, only 20 monks remained in Greece after the end of the Second World War. Therefore, the monasteries that weren’t inhabited were closed, and no one is allowed to visit them. Central The only monastery remaining is Great Meteoron.

Staying a Night in the Monastery

People can experience the joy of living in the monastery in the past in the 20th century. A few monasteries offer rooms to spend the night, simple wooden beds and a mat, a toilet, and a basin. Some monasteries even provide guests meals twice a day. Ultimately, the best way to appreciate the monasteries is having conversations with the monks. You’ll learn about their lifestyle, their history, and the monasteries themselves. Most of the time, the monastery is open to visitors to see what it was like to be in a monasterial community in the past.

All Outdoors and Prayer

The path to the monasteries is relatively simple. Fewer than 5kms from the village, you can climb the mountain by car. While you are free to wander from one monastery to the next, you should plan on spending 1–2 days to explore them fully. Timing can be tricky. Most monasteries are busiest on Saturday and Sundays. Some do visit the monasteries by hike. You can connect to the adjacent map to see the best hiking trail for you.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes. The roads are often rocky, and some of them are uphill.
• Maps: You can find a map of the monasteries easily on the internet. It will mark the monasteries, the bridges, and walking routes.
• Appropriate clothing: Some monasteries have dress codes. The stress upon modesty is high, and they will refuse to carry those who are not dressed appropriately.
• Camera: The monasteries have been beautifully built, with amazing views, and are surrounded by amazing landscapes. Carry your camera, but do not take pictures inside and respect the rules.