Meteora

Roussanou

After leaving Delphi and another lovely drive through the mountains, we arrived mid-afternoon in Meteora.  Next to the towns of Kastraki and Kalabaka, Meteora is an area of large rock pinnacles that jut up from the surrounding valley.  It is on these pinnacles that a number of monasteries were built.  These locations provided the ultimate isolation for the monks to separate from the outside world and focus on their faith and work.  It also provides some of the most picturesque scenes to see and experience.

Varlaam

The majority of monasteries located here were founded in the 14th and 15th centuries. At one time there were 24 separate monasteries atop the various pinnacles, but only 6 remain today and all are still active.  They are Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Roussanou, St. Stephen, Holy Trinity, and St. Nikolaos.  All of the monasteries are open to visitors, although they are not all open every day.  A multi-day visit is needed in order to actually tour them all. 

With the exception of St. Stephen, each monastery requires an uphill walk and lots of stairs.

Holy Trinity

We visited Varlaam, St. Nikolaos, and St. Stephen during our time here, but saw and photographed all of them from the outside.  It is mind-boggling to see each of them perched high atop a pinnacle, knowing that when they were constructed, everything had to be carted up to the top.  No machinery or helicopters to make the job easier.  Each monastery has different architectural aesthetics, but one thing in common is that every square inch of the church and chapel areas is painted with various icons and religious scenes.  We noticed that as well in the other Greek Orthodox churches we visited.

We had a beautiful day in which to explore and absorb this majestic landscape.  The leaves here are now starting to change colors, adding another layer of beauty.  This has been a great way to finish up our trip before heading back to Athens and our flight home.

St. Nikolaos

St. Stephen

Great Meteroron