METEORA, GREECE: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the Floating Monasteries - TrailBlazed
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Visiting the monasteries of Meteora offers more than just a scenic adventure; it provides an opportunity to connect with the deep spiritual and cultural history of Greece. Standing high above the clouds, it's easy to understand why the early monks were driven to inhabit this otherworldly place. Even today, the monks and nuns who dwell there cherish the unique peace and beauty found at Meteora, filling the air with an enduring sense of tranquility and reverence.
Whether a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, a trip to Meteora is bound to be a life-changing experience, stirring both the spirit and the imagination.
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Exploring Meteora: The Monasteries That Touch the Sky
Nestled in central Greece, Meteora emerges as a breathtaking spectacle where nature meets spirituality. Perched atop towering limestone pillars, some reaching heights of 600 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site captivates visitors with its fairy-tale-like allure and a sense of mystical wonder. The name Meteora translates to "midair" in Greek, and on days when clouds blanket the valley below, it appears as though the monasteries are suspended in the sky, creating a truly magical panorama.
A Historical Overview
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The history of Meteora dates back to the 9th century, when hermit monks sought solitude in the cliffs. These early ascetics climbed the formidable rock faces, often using only their hands to grasp trees and rocks, carving out homes in natural caves and crevices. Living in isolation, they dedicated their lives to prayer and contemplation, rarely descending to the valley below.
As the Byzantine Empire's reign began to wane in the late 14th century and the Ottoman Empire encroached, these ascetic communities found refuge atop Meteora's inaccessible cliffs. The area's natural fortifications offered the monks and their culture a safe haven during turbulent times.
The Herculean Task of Construction
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Constructing monasteries in such challenging terrain was nothing short of a monumental feat. It is believed that the majority of these structures took over 20 years to complete, with monks laboriously hauling materials up the sheer cliffs. Utilizing nets, hooks, baskets, and ropes, they managed to create sanctuaries that have stood the test of time. While it's unknown how many monks perished during the strenuous construction, the risks were great.
Over the centuries, more than 20 monasteries were established, though today only six remain, each a vibrant museum of Byzantine art, intricate construction techniques, and serene gardens.
A Phase of Resurgence
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After a period of decline in the 15th century, Meteora saw a resurgence in the 16th century when it became a refuge for Greeks fleeing from Ottoman rule. It became a bastion for preserving Hellenic culture, attracting poets, philosophers, and scholars during a time when the nation faced cultural erasure.
Despite their protective perch, the monasteries were not invulnerable to threats. Over the years, many were abandoned or destroyed amidst various invasions and plundering.
War and Decline
The ravages of World War II significantly impacted Meteora, leading to the destruction of numerous buildings and the theft of invaluable artifacts. Today, the six surviving monasteries serve mainly as tourist attractions, offering glimpses into the rich history of monastic life.
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The remaining monasteries include:
Great Meteoron: The largest and oldest, constructed in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios. It features an ancient bread oven and kitchen, along with the interred remains of former monks.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam: Noted as the second largest, its construction took over 20 years completed in the 16th century.
Holy Monastery of Rousanou: Originally built in 1545, it's notable for its post-war reconstruction and is currently occupied by nuns.
Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas: It includes a church adorned with beautiful Byzantine art.
Holy Trinity Monastery: The most difficult to access, it is less visited yet steeped in cinematic history, having been featured in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.”
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- Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen: This convent, dating back to the 1400s, can be reached via a small footbridge, making it accessible for visitors.
Present Day and Tourism
Since the opening of paved roads in the 1960s, Meteora has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands of tourists eager to experience its grandeur. Although the landscape has transformed and climbing routes have become safer, preservation efforts continue to combat the decay caused by time and past conflicts.
This ongoing struggle aims to protect against new threats like vibrations from low-flying aircraft and seismic activity associated with earthquakes. The entrance fees to the monasteries are modest, allowing visitors to access these sacred historical sites affordably.