Between cosmic bodies, falling to the ground, and the monasteries of Meteora in Greece, there is one connecting thread that is “hidden” in the sound of the Greek word μετέωρα.
In the first case it means appearances or signs in the sky, and in the second - highlands, elevated places.
There is another translation option: floating in the air. It was this meaning that the Monk Athanasius put into the name of Mount Platylifos, giving it a new name. In one of the local caves, he carried out his exploits, offering unceasing prayers. Over time, this name was given to all the rocks surrounding Platylifos, and the latter began to be called the Great Meteors.
History of the monastery complex
Byzantine ascetics of piety, who strove for a silent and harsh life in unceasing prayer, have long chosen the picturesque peaks of the Thessalian rocks for their exploits.
Hard-to-reach caves located on steep slopes reliably protected the hermits not only from the sin-loving customs of the world, but also from political persecution.
Some hid here even during the time of iconoclastic persecutions, others came here to escape the invasion of the crusaders, Vikings and corsairs.
The Monk Athanasius, later nicknamed Meteora, together with his mentor, the God-bearing elder Gregory, arrived here from a cell that was built at the very top of Mount Athos.
Fleeing from the raids of corsairs, with the blessing of Archbishop Jacob of Servius, they settled on the open high rock of Stylos not far from the town of Stagi, where they offered prayers in an abandoned church, which had been hollowed out of the rock by shepherds long before.
But local residents began to come here for various advice, destroying the established spiritual rhythm of the ascetics.
In search of a place for solitary prayer, the Monk Athanasius, having received a blessing from Elder Gregory, climbed to the top of the high mountain Platyliphos (wide stone).
Here he settled in a deserted cave.
Subsequently, under the leadership of the Monk Athanasius, the buildings of the main monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ were built on this site, and his disciples and spiritual successors, living according to a charter very similar to that of Athos, continued the construction of new complexes.
The heyday of the latter came in the sixteenth century, when the monasteries of Meteora numbered 24 monasteries.
Those who wanted to get to the tops of the rocks climbed here using wooden hanging stairs.
In some places, the monks lifted pilgrims and pilgrims to their inaccessible piers using special nets - people sat in them, like in a cable car.
The occupation of Greece and subsequent looting by Italian and German fascists in 1940-44 brought the Meteora monasteries into unprecedented decline.
After the troubled times of World War II and Civil War in Greece (1946-49), only one quarter of the former splendor of the monastery complex in Meteora was restored, among those that survived the rebirth were two women's and four men's monasteries.
Where are the Meteora monasteries and when to visit them?
Meteora is in Northern Greece a few hours drive from Thessaloniki. The holy monasteries are located to the north and west of the Thessalian town of Kalambaka at a distance of several kilometers.
The easternmost of them is Convent of St. Stephen the First Martyr, which is open to the public from 9:00 in the morning to one in the afternoon and from 15:00 to five (in winter) and six (in summer) in the evening. It is always closed on Mondays. It should be noted that in the Greek concept, summer refers to the period from April 1 to October thirty-first, and winter - from November 1 to March 31.
A little to the west, behind the ridges of rocks, perched on the top of a tower mountain monastery in the name of the Holy Trinity. Thursday is a “non-reception” day here. In summer you can visit it from nine in the morning to five in the evening, and in winter there is a break in this time period from 12:30 to 15:00.
Convent of the Great Martyr Barbara, called Rusanu, located northwest of Kalambaka and west (about two kilometers) of the monastery of St. Trinity. It is closed on Wednesdays and only in winter, and in summer it receives tourists and pilgrims from nine in the morning to five in the evening. IN winter time In the middle of the day (from 13:00 to 15:00) the monastery of the Great Martyr Barbara closes.
At a distance of just over a kilometer to the west of Rusanu there are buildings monastery of all saints, called Varlaam Monastery. It is closed on Fridays all year round, and on Thursdays only in winter. On other days in summer, the doors of the monastery are open to visitors from nine to sixteen, and in winter from 9:00 to 17:00, but from one to three there is a cleaning break.
Great Meteor Monastery is located just over a kilometer southwest of the monastery of Varlaam. All year round it is closed on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays in winter. On other days you can visit it from nine in the morning to five in the evening, but in winter from 13:00 to 15:00 the monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ is closed.
The southernmost one in the complex is small Monastery of Nicholas Anapavsas- less than a kilometer away from Preobrazhensky. In winter it is closed, but in summer it is open to visitors from nine to six.
How to get to Meteora?
You can get to the Meteora Monasteries along different roads in Greece, but first you need to arrive in Kalambaka, which is located very close to the ancient complex.
From Athens you can get here directly by both bus and train.
It will be cheaper to buy tickets in both directions.
From the capital of Greece, train number 884 departs from Larissis station to Kalambaka, and returns back under number 885.
The travel time by rail is about five hours, the cost for two is 45-50 euros.
Along the highway from Athens to Kalampaka through Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala, the meter covers about 360 kilometers.
There are very few signs along the fairly convenient road, so traveling by personal transport is not recommended for those who have never been here.
Kalampaka can be reached by bus, departing from Athens station from Terminal B from 7:30 to 15:30 every 2 hours. Travel time is about four and a half hours. The cost of such a trip is just over thirty euros.
There is a direct train from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka, the travel time is approx. three hours, and the ticket price is just under 20 euros. There are options with transfers, but it’s easier and cheaper to travel by direct route.
Arriving in Kalambaka, you should walk to the Plateia Dimarhiou fountain, next to which there is a bus stop.
At 8:20 and 13:20 on weekends, and on weekdays - at 9:00 and 13:30, buses leave from here to the village of Kastraki, and from there they go to the walls of the main monastery - the Transfiguration of Christ.
Near the fountain, car owners taxi, which can take them to any of the six monasteries.
But they will have to pay much more.
Excursions are organized very often at the Meteora Monasteries.
Excursions can be booked online - there are many websites where Russian-speaking guides offer their services at negotiable prices.
When planning to visit the monasteries of Meteora, respect their inhabitants.
While in praying monasteries, remember that you cannot joke here, or talk too much or loudly.
Women should wear a dress (at least below the knees) with long sleeves, while men should wear trousers.
Instead of flip-flops, use closed shoes: the climb up the 140 steps to the monastery, and hiking along the mountainous paths of the monastery will become noticeably easier.
You can take cameras with you, but taking pictures of anything inside is prohibited. Therefore, it is advisable to cover your cameras “away from temptation” and take a closer look at the iconography.
The walls of the temple buildings are painted in a very unusual way. Any pilgrim cannot help but be amazed by the images made on the walls and dome of the main cathedral.
There are stunning illustrations of Old Testament and New Testament events.
The expressive faces of forefathers, patriarchs and prophets look out from the walls.
Particularly striking is the picture where Abraham meets three strangers.
Depicted on the walls are the faces of saints who are well known in the Russian Church: the founder of hermitage Anthony the Great, Theodosius Kinoviarchus, Savva the Sanctified, Theodore Stratilates, Ephraim the Syrian.
The scenes from the life of the God-Man are very impressive: the trial before Pilate, Jesus Christ before the Sanhedrin, the frightened guards at the empty tomb of the God-Man, the mockery of the Savior.
It would take a long time to list all the icons located in the monastery and all the natural beauties. But it’s better to see once than to constantly read about what you haven’t seen.
Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Perched on a rock in the form of a tower about 400 meters high, the Monastery of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity is located one and a half kilometers north of Kalambaka. It was founded approximately in the 14th-15th centuries by the monk Dometius, and the inscription on the southern facade of the main cross-domed cathedral reports that the temple was founded in 1476.
At the foot of the cliff on which the monastery buildings are built, the Pinyos River carries its waters into the Thermaikos Gulf, and on the opposite bank rise the forested peaks of the Pindus ridge.
Here Christians hid from persecution by the Ottoman Turks during the long period of occupation of Greece by the Ottoman Empire.
It should be noted that the inhabitants of this monastery, like all other Meteora monasteries, very strictly monitor the decorous behavior of visitors.
Interestingly, in 1980, during the filming of the movie “For Your Eyes Only” with the participation of James Bond, the monks did not allow filmmakers here.
The film crew, admiring the beauty of the local landscapes, decided to use them in their film. But the monks closed the gates to the “filmmakers,” declaring that the scenes that they were going to capture on film would desecrate the holy place.
Varlaam Monastery
Located a kilometer northeast of the Great Meteora, the monastery of Varlaam begins its history in the fourteenth century, when a hermit named Varlaam settled in this place. And by the middle of the sixteenth century, two brothers from the town of Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektary, with the participation of several other ascetics, built the All Saints Cathedral.
Tuff was used in the construction of the building - the material is very light and easy to process. That is why it did not require a large number of people to build it. But by the grace of God, the cathedral still stands and functions, unlike the Chapel of the Three Hierarchs (hierarchs), which is closed for excursions.
In the main temple there are quite a few amazing images on the columns: here you can find the faces of Pimen the Great, Macarius of Egypt, the Monk Onuphrius and the Venerable Martyr Moses Murin, who in his youth led a band of robbers.
When visiting this monastery, be sure to pay attention to the famous composition depicted on the western wall of the temple: the great father Sisoi, who lived in the fifth century in the deserts of Egypt and enjoyed unquestioned authority among all hermits, kneeling before the tomb of Alexander the Great, mourns earthly glory, honors and vanity.
Let us, as we set out on a journey through the amazingly beautiful holy places of Meteora, take for ourselves the example of the Great Sisoi: let us forget about insults and quarrels, squabbles and intrigues, leave earthly vanity, forgive all ill-wishers and think only about good things.
How many amazing natural monuments, man-made treasures of mankind and secrets Greece keeps. Today we will talk about one of her most amazing architectural masterpieces, which was created over several generations. We will talk about the unique monasteries of Meteora in Greece. To get to them you will have to go through a difficult and grueling path, because they are located at a dizzying height right on rocky ledges. But believe me, it's worth it!
At first glance at the monumental complex, ridiculous thoughts enter your head. Maybe the gods themselves descended from ancient Olympus and created this masterpiece? Otherwise, how is it possible to create something like this among inaccessible rocks, at such a great height? This is simply amazing.
According to local legend, the inaccessible mountains of Thessaly were favored by monks long before the fifth century. It was here that they spent time at prayer services and led a hermitic lifestyle. In the high mountain areas, believers spent long hours in prayer, 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 lot here today.
According to official version, the first stone of one of the future monasteries was laid by a hermit known as Barnabas. This significant event happened back in 950. At first, small hermitages were formed, which united groups of monks around themselves, 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 began to be “torn apart” by 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 stone monasteries, as if reaching for the clouds. It seems that the buildings are simply hewn out of the rock itself. Already presented? Now add fabulous sunrises and sunsets to the breathtaking picture... Personally, I begin to envy the inhabitants of the hills of Thessaly, before whose eyes such landscapes open up every day!
Construction of monasteries
According to historians, the construction of temple buildings was carried out under difficult conditions. All necessary materials were brought up manually 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 one of the cowards.
During the entire construction, the monks lived quite modestly. For example, their only source of water was crevices and niches cut right into the rocks, in which rainwater collected, and they generally ate what the gods sent them. So it turns out that the titanic work was based almost entirely on enthusiasm and faith.
Which monasteries are included in the complex
The temple complex “floating in the air” includes several structures. Each building is unique and has many interesting facts in its rich history.
Monastery of Agiou Nikolaou Anapavs (St. Nicholas)
The first monastery that I would like to stop at is called Agiou Nikolaou Anapavsa (which translated means St. Nicholas Cathedral). The first mentions of it date 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 structure is attributed to the brothers Joasaph and Maximus. The main pride is beautiful paintings, and amazing beauty wooden carved altar with gilding. The iconostases located inside are of great value and deserve your attention.
Varlaam Monastery
It was founded in 1517. Theophanes and Nectarius Apsara. The magnificent frescoes that adorn the main gallery are the work of the painting genius Franck Catalano and date back to 1548. It is here that the most ancient and valuable manuscripts, shrouds decorated with gold threads and many other artifacts are kept.
Cathedral of Agnas Triadas
Attracts with its unusual chapel, which is located almost on the very high point mountains To appreciate its original structure, you will have to overcome 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 of Meteora, who at one time was a prominent associate of Orthodoxy. It is in this place that the most beautiful frescoes by the famous Theophanes and greatest number the rarest icons.
Monastery of Agios Stefanou
It is the only building for nuns. By visiting it, tourists will be able to appreciate the impressive collection of relics.
How to get there
From Athens
If you are in Athens, you can take the bus that leaves from the station from Terminal B or the train from Larissis station. To save money, buy a round-trip ticket. Helpful information for those who choose a bus, it leaves the terminal every two hours from 7.30 to 15.30. You can get to Kalambaka in 4.5 hours and spend about 30 euros.
For those who prefer traveling by rail, you need train 884, which goes there and 885 on the way back. You will spend 5 hours and about 25 euros on the road.
If you rent a car, you will need to travel almost 400 km through Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala, and signs along the way will be quite rare.
From Thessaloniki
Want to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki? Nothing could be simpler. You can do it in 3 hours by train. Spend a little less than 20 euros on a ticket.
When you reach Kalambaka by your chosen route, follow the route to the Plateia Dimarhiou fountain. Next to it there is a stop from which a bus departs to the village of Kastraki. If you are traveling on weekdays, then keep in mind that departure times are at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., if on Saturday or Sunday, then at 8:20 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.
By bus from the village you will get to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. You can also book a tour at any agency, which will allow everyone to touch ancient history and see with your 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 hermits, have been preserved to this day since the Middle Ages.
Meteors themselves represent a religious shrine, are modern place pilgrimages of Greeks and many foreigners allow them to see icons that are grandiose in their cultural and historical significance.
Meteora monasteries on the map
Meteora Monasteries video
Meteora monasteries in Greece photo
Meteora is a complex of monasteries located on top of massive stone pillars in the mountains of Thessaly in Greece, called Meteora (translated as “floating in the air”).
Six active mountain monasteries are one of the shrines of Greece. The first mentions of hermits in mountain caves and their places of prayer date back to the 10th century.
In 1988, the monastic complex of the Meteora mountains in Greece was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List according to several criteria, including as a world cultural significance and natural phenomenon.
The schedule for visiting the Meteora monasteries is established by season: summer season- from April to October, winter - from November to March.
Monastery complex Meteora
The largest of the monasteries is the Great Meteor (also the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord), founded by the Monk Athanasius of Meteor in the 14th century, and for various reasons was subsequently restored more than once. In the Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery there are preserved ancient icons and a painting from 1552; there is a museum of monastery values attached to it. The Great Meteor is located on the highest rock (approximately 613 meters) with a large platform on top (area - 6 hectares). Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 17.00, except Tuesdays; in winter - from 9.00 to 15.00, except Tuesday and Wednesday. The schedule of the complex is available on the website.
The Monastery of All Saints was also created in the 15th century on the site of a small church from the mid-14th century, built by the schema-monk Varlaam (hence another common name - the Varlaam Monastery). In this complex Special attention The city is attracted by ancient mosaics and frescoes, and a museum with collections of rare manuscripts. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 16.00, except Thursday and Friday, in winter - from 9.00 to 15.00, except Friday.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is located against the backdrop of the grandiose landscape of the Meteora rocks - overlooking the green Pindos ridge. The approximate time of construction of the monastery is 1458-1476. Visiting hours: in summer - 10.00 to 17.00, except Wednesday and Thursday; in winter - from 10.00 to 16.00, except Wednesday and Thursday.
On a cliff overlooking the town of Kalambaka, the convent of St. Stephen is located; the entrance to it is accessible only by one 8-meter-long pedestrian bridge. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 13.30 and from 15.30 to 17.30, except Mondays; in winter - from 9.30 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00, except Mondays.
The second active nunnery of the Meteora complex is the Rusanou monastery with the Cathedral of St. Barbara. It is located on a very limited area, so from a distance it seems that this is a single building that completely occupies the top of the cliff. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 17.45; in winter - from 9.00 to 14.00; on Wednesday the monastery is always inaccessible to tourists.
The monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas has several levels: on the first level the chapel of St. Anthony was built, on the second there is the 16th century church of St. Nicholas, on the third there is a small church of St. John the Baptist, cells and an old refectory. This multi-level (“high-rise”) structure of the monastery made it possible to compactly arrange all the necessary prayer and service premises on a small rock. Visiting hours: in summer - from 9.00 to 15.30; in winter - from 9.00 to 14.00; on Friday the monastery is not accessible to tourists.
How to get to Meteora in Greece
Excursions to Meteora in Greece are available from almost anywhere tourist city countries. In addition, pilgrimage tours are often offered to visit the monasteries.
Options with public transport can also be considered, although they are not always convenient.
From Athens
Trains travel from Athens to Kalambaka; travel time is about 5 hours; schedules and ticket prices can be found on the Greek Railways website. Kalambaka station is the final station, the town is located at the foot of Meteora, and a good asphalt road leads from it to the complex.
The route by bus is slightly different: you need to get from the Athens Liossion bus station to the city of Trikala, some buses go further - to Kalambaka. The schedule is available on the website.
From Thessaloniki
Trains from Thessaloniki depart from Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos station. Tickets are also available on the railway website, but the route is much shorter and not so tiring: the travel time to Kalambaka is approximately 3 hours.
Buses from Thessaloniki go to Trikala; the trip can take 3-4 hours depending on the departure time. It is advisable to take a morning flight, but this is the only one; the interval between departures during the day is 2-3.5 hours. Schedule - follow the link.
Google panorama of the monasteries of Meteora, Greece
Video “Meteora Monasteries”
in Greece- This is one of the largest complexes of monasteries. Today we’ll talk about the sights of Meteor. Today we’ll talk about tourist attractions in Meteor and try to find out what you can see here.
Excursion to Meteora, here you can book a trip to Meteora with a Russian-speaking guide
Along with Athos, it has its own administration, the monastic state is subordinate to the metropolis of Stagi and Meteor. The peculiarity of the complex lies in its inaccessibility and - all the monasteries are located on the tops of steep cliffs, which, like huge pillars, rise above the surface of the Pindus mountain range.
How did Meteora originate in Greece?
Once upon a time, on the site of the meteor there was a huge lake, which communicated with the Tethys ocean - the progenitor Mediterranean Sea. At the bottom of the lake, a layer of sediment accumulated, coming here from the young mountains of the Balkan Peninsula. After Tethys finally separated, the bottom of the lake began to actively rise. The water left it, leaving behind a half-kilometer layer of petrified sediment. Gradually eroding, the stone massif turned into a complex of high sandstone pillars, the tops of which ended in small platforms.
Translated from Greek, “meteor” means “floating in the sky.” The pillars received this name because during fog, only their tops are visible above the surface of the clouds, and it seems as if huge stones were simply hanging above the ground. The first Christians who appeared here in the 9th century took the discovery of Meteor as a sign from above - the construction of a monastery in such a secluded place could make it possible to feel real connection with God, become closer to him.
Soon the area around Meteora in Greece hermits began to inhabit - silence, remoteness from civilization and the opportunity to avoid religious persecution contributed to the rapid attraction of people here from different parts Byzantine Empire. They settled in small caves and rocky recesses, gathering together only to pray in specially designated places.
In order to take part in divine services and sacraments, hermits needed a church. At first they visited the Church of the Archangels in the nearby city of Stagi, and later decided to build their own Church of the Virgin Mary.
Meteora researchers agree that the first hermit of whom there are reliable records was Barnabas. In 950, he built the first skete here, called the Holy Spirit. After 70 years, the monk Andronik began building the monastery of the Transfiguration, and in 1160 the monastery of Dupiani or Stagi appeared, which became the beginning of the organization of the monastic community.
Monasteries of Meteora
For several centuries after its founding, the monks of Meteora lived in relative peace and prosperity, until in the 13th century Greece began to be attacked by the Crusaders on one side and the Turks on the other. Both sides had a common goal - to capture the province of Thessaly, which was a strategic object of the Balkan Peninsula.
In the middle of the 14th century, the territory Meteora in Greece Monk Athanasius arrived, who was forced to leave Athos as a result of the invasion of the Ottoman invaders. Together with his spiritual shepherd Gregory, Athanasius founded a monastery, where he lived for 10 years. The goal of Athanasius’ work was to organize a foundation in Meteora similar to that of Athos. Together with 14 monks, he climbed the largest rock in the area, called Platis Litos, where he began construction of the future Monastery of the Transfiguration, which functions to this day.
It was Athanasius who developed and implemented a set of rules that were to guide all residents of Meteora. He is also believed to have given the complex its name, which is still used today.
In 1371, the ruler of Epirus, the historical part of Hellas, John Uresh, visited Meteora on an official visit. After meeting Abbot Afanasy, he made a fateful decision - to renounce the throne and take monastic vows. After the death of Athanasius, John, who accepted christian name Joseph, became abbot of the main monastery of Meteor.
The period of the abbess of Josaph is considered the heyday of the monastic state of Meteor. Thanks to a thoughtful approach to organizing affairs, Joseph managed to begin the construction of new monasteries and outbuildings, including a small hospital.
In 1394, the Turks finally achieved their goal, capturing Thessaly. To avoid persecution, Joseph was forced to flee to Athos, where he lived for several years in the Vatopedi monastery. Subsequently, he managed to return to Meteora, where he again took the place of abbot of the Transfiguration Monastery.
During the peak of monasticism in Meteora, there were 24 Orthodox monasteries, 6 of which continue to operate to this day.
Even before the beginning of the last century, access to monasteries was limited not so much because of religious considerations, but because of inaccessibility. Only in the 20s were roads laid here and stone steps carved into the sandstone of the rocks. Previously, monks had to climb the pillars using a system wooden stairs, or in ordinary grids, which were driven by a system of blocks located on top. Such a climb took a long time, and accidents often occurred when the net broke or the ladder broke under the weight of the person walking. It is difficult to even imagine what kind of work the builders of the monasteries did, because all materials, including stone and wood, were delivered in a similar way.
With the advent of World War II, for the monasteries of Meteora troubled times came - the German and Italian occupiers plundered and destroyed most of the monasteries, which led them to desolation. A few years after the end of the war, the monasteries began to be restored, but out of all the many monasteries, only 6 remained - 4 male and 2 female.
Tourist attractions. Meteora in Greece
Today get to the monasteries of Meteora simple enough. The monastic state is located only 350 kilometers from Athens; a system of convenient roads has been laid to it. Each of the 6 monasteries can be reached by car, and although tourists are not given access to the entire territory of the monastery, there is still something to see there.
The interior decoration of Orthodox monasteries is in many ways similar to other monasteries in Greece; they differ only in their unique location. From the top of the rocks there is a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and villages. At the very foot of the pillars there are two villages - Kalambaka and Kastraki. In fact, they smoothly flow into each other, and differ only in size - Kalambaka is a little larger, there are many cafes, shops, and even a small supermarket. The infrastructure of Kastraki is less developed, but it offers beautiful view to mountains and monasteries. Taking photographs on the territory of monastic monasteries is not prohibited, but it is often very inconvenient to do so: in a small square there are always many people devoted to prayer, and one simply does not raise one’s hand to disturb their way of life.
Between the two villages there is a cozy cafe Meteoron Panorama, from the terrace of which it is very convenient to observe the area. In the evening, after dark, a large spotlight is turned on near the cafe, which illuminates the surrounding rocks, giving them an atmosphere of mysticism.
Not far from Meteora, 4 kilometers from Kalambaka, there is another attraction that you can visit along the way - Theopetra Cave. Its peculiarity is that it contains evidence of life modern people and their predecessors - Neanderthals. The cave consists of a huge main hall, with an area of more than 500 m2, separated from outside world 17-meter narrow passage. Radiocarbon dating of the tools determined that the age of the first human settlement in the cave was 50,000 years. Near the main entrance flows a small river with clear cold water, which previously served as a source of life-giving moisture both for the monks and for the residents of all the villages in the area.
Excursions to Meteora differ from other tourist destinations in their special atmosphere. There is clearly a strong spirit of prayer here, which, combined with the proximity of this place to heaven, makes you feel strong and self-confident.
To visit everything sights Meteora, one day is clearly not enough. The measured life of this corner of the country, remote from civilization, forces you to reconsider your views on life and begin to look at it with calmness, with a balanced attitude towards everyday problems.
Thessaloniki in Greece. History, sights (part six)
Ottoman control of the city in last decades Turkish rule was the mainstay of its development, especially in infrastructure. A large number of new public buildings were built in an eclectic style to give Thessaloniki a European face. Between 1869 and 1889 the city walls were destroyed as a result of the planned expansion of the city. In 1888, the first service of the tram line began, and already in 1908 the city streets were illuminated with electric lamps and posts. From the same year Railway connected Thessaloniki with Central Europe through Belgrade, Monastir and Constantinople. The city again began to acquire its national “Greek face” only after the departure of the Turkish conquerors and the state gaining freedom. However, the turbulent events of the last century left their mark on the modern image of the city. Currently, Thessaloniki plays the role of a metropolis with a fairly mixed population - representatives of more than 80 nations live here, not counting minor ethnic groups.
Museums of Greece
Greece is one of those countries in the world that can rightfully be proud of its history going back centuries. We've all heard one myth or another. Ancient Greece, we know the Greek heroes of ancient times, everyone knows the names of the gods and other mythical characters of Greece. You could even say that this whole country is an open-air museum - there are so many attractions and memorable places in Greece. Traveling from city to city, stroll through the narrow Greek streets, wander along the embankments, because almost the entire history of Greece is connected with the sea, and, of course, visit numerous museums.
Kastoria is not only a fur coat paradise!
A small quiet provincial town in northern Greece called “Kastoria” is known to most fashionistas from all over the world. It is here that their wildest dreams of the best and most beautiful fur coat from natural fur. After all, Kastoria is rightly called the “fur paradise” on Earth,
Greeks and Greece.
Greece. What can you tell us about Greece? A country with a centuries-old history, rich in scientists, thinkers and philosophers, the cradle of Christianity, in the vulgar. What is this country famous for these days? Well, of course the Greeks! Soulful, hospitable people with slightly “ancient” views on everything and everyone. Motto: our whole life is pure pleasure and the more..... the more we will brag! Cult one: Food! There's no arguing here. Delicious charcoal-grilled meat with local mysterious herbs, wheat tortillas and Feta cheese!
Miraculous icons Athos monasteries
On Holy Mount Athos there is a wonderful monastery of Pantokrator. That's where this one is now miraculous image in a silver robe. Mother of God depicted in prayer. She extends her arms to the sky. There are many stories related to the miraculous power of the Image Holy Mother of God Gerontissa.
Formed more than 60 million years ago, the stone pillars, whose height reaches 600 m, offer a unique, mesmerizing view of the surroundings of the Thessalian Plain. It is not surprising that these hills are called Meteora, because translated from Greek the word means “floating in the air.” Six monasteries are comfortably located on the tops of the rocks - this is the largest and most important monastic complex in the state. The attraction is impressive and looks breathtaking, making it popular not only among Orthodox tourists. What monasteries are located on the peaks of Meteora in Greece, why are they attractive, and is it possible to visit them?
What are Meteors?
The monastery complex is a mysterious, fascinating and spectacular phenomenon. The meteors are huge masses of sandstone and conglomerate. This is a residual phenomenon, a consequence of river erosion and earthquakes.
When looking at the monasteries, only one question arises: how were they built? Indeed, the construction of temples on top of cylindrical stone pillars was carried out in terrible conditions. Lack of roads or any construction equipment forced workers to do everything by hand. There weren't even horses. The materials were first brought to Meteora in Greece, then raised upward through nets and baskets. All this was done by hand. Even monks climbed in nets because there were no other options.
Where is the monastery complex located?
Meteora is located in the Thessalian Valley, near the Greek city of Kalambaka, which, in turn, is 300 km away from Athens. In order to more accurately find out the location of the attraction, just look at the map.
How to get to Meteora in Greece?
It is most convenient to plan a trip from major cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki. Let's consider each option. So, you can get from Athens as follows:
- By bus. Transport leaves from Terminal B from 7:30 to 15:30 daily. The interval between departures is a couple of hours. Travel time is 4.5 hours.
- By train. You should depart from Larissis railway station. You will need train No. 884, and back - No. 885. The travel time will be 5 hours.
- By car. This option is the most difficult, since there are practically no signs along the road, and the path is long - 400 km. It will be necessary to pass through cities such as Lamia, Domokos, Karditsa and Trikala.
It is much easier and cheaper to get to Meteora in Greece from Thessaloniki. The train journey takes 3 hours and the ticket costs less than 20 euros. From the train station you should go to Kalambaka, then you just have to walk a little to the Plateia Dimathiou fountain - and you can see the bus station. From there, a bus leaves twice a day (at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm on weekdays, and at 8:20 and 1:20 pm on weekends) to the village of Kastraki. There you need to change to another bus, which will take you directly to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ.
Do not forget that you can travel from Athens, Thessaloniki, and even the village of Kastraki as part of an excursion group. The journey will be more informative and interesting, accompanied by stories from the guide. You can buy a ticket for an excursion to Meteora in Greece at any travel agency.
From the history of the creation of Meteor
It is impossible even at the level of assumption to imagine how much effort was spent on the construction of the monasteries. People have done the unreal. Legend has it that the very first building of the complex was the Great Meteor. It was founded by Saint Athanasius, who flew to the top on the back of an eagle. But this is just a legend.
There is also a second legend that seems more real. Residents of the village of Staya (now Kalambaka) had good dexterity, and therefore had the opportunity to help the monks equip the monasteries by climbing rocks. By the way, the rocks are very complex structurally and dangerous, so not even every climber will dare to climb them.
Historically, it is believed that Meteora in Greece was first inhabited at the end of the 10th century. The territory was subordinated to religious communities. Hermits settled in groups and individually in natural caves formed in the rocks. In 1336, Athonite monks Gregory and his disciple Athanasius arrived here. Soon the first one returned home. Athanasius was left on Meteora with a sacred order - to found a monastery. Actually, ten years later this happened. With or without magical power, the monastery was built.
At the same time, Athanasius wrote down a set of laws. All monks had to obey these rules. Asceticism began to flourish, since Meteora was organized ideal conditions for a life of prayer and solitude. Therefore, very soon the newly acquired monks arrived here. Among them was, for example, John Uros Palaiologos, who abdicated the Serbian throne, as well as many other individuals in whose veins royal blood flowed. This, in turn, contributed to good funding, that is, the monastery was generously “rewarded” with donations for the shelter. This made it possible to build more and more new temples on empty cliff tops, both easily accessible and those that were difficult to reach. Decades later, the entire Meteor monastery complex in Greece was formed here.
Monasticism flourished in the rocks during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Reigning over the territory from 1520 to 1566, he helped in the construction of temples, and therefore by the end of the Sultan’s reign there were only 24 of them, together with monastic hermitages. The largest were sponsored by offerings and other income, as a result of which they became rich.
Today there are only 6 monasteries left. Looking at them, you can feel the sadness and decline that the temples are now experiencing. Eternal and bitter disputes over power over Meteora led to the fact that the monasteries ceased to receive proper care. The lack of funding did not allow the buildings to be restored in a timely manner; they began to deteriorate and collapse. Moreover, many large monasteries remained empty. By the end of the 50s of the last century, only 4 churches remained operational; Today, only 2 of them pursue a true religious goal. The remaining monasteries have become objects of tourism, attractions that have earned fame through cinema and literature.
Great Meteor (Preobrazhensky Monastery)
The very first temple founded by Athanasius of Meteora. The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord is the largest religious site in the Meteor complex in Greece, a photo of which can be seen above. It is also the highest located. The Transfiguration Monastery houses greatest number ancient manuscripts and valuable icons. The main cathedral has a cruciform shape. This is a whole complex consisting of residential buildings, houses for old monks, kitchens, rooms for meals and a hospital. There is also a crypt and a tiny chapel.
Varlaam Monastery
In 1350, a monk settled on the top of one of the rocks and built a church, a cell for himself, and also made a reservoir for water. His name was Varlaam, and he dedicated the temple to the Three Saints. Much later, in 1517, a temple was erected in honor of Varlaam on this site by the monk-priests Theophanes and Nektarios. The interior of the monastery is decorated with frescoes, it houses a collection of valuable icons, rare manuscripts, carved wooden crosses, relics and shrouds embroidered with gold. Today there are 7 very hospitable monks living here who are always happy to see visitors.
Monastery of St. Stephen
This temple is considered the richest in Meteora in Greece. From the photo of the map you can find out the location of the monastery - right above the city of Kalambaka. There was once a tiny chapel here, which also bore the name of St. Stephen. It was built by hermits in the 12th century. Subsequently, a large monastery grew up on the site of the chapel, consisting of two main cathedrals - the Old and the New. The first is decorated with earthy red artistic compositions, and the second is dedicated to Saint Charalampios. There is a large collection of icons here, and educational events aimed at studying Byzantine music and iconography are regularly held.
Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsas
Of all the temples, this is the most unusual and small. The area of the Meteor rock in Greece, where the monastery is located, is small, so the monks were forced to erect the necessary buildings on different levels. The result was a temple with a unique design. It was erected in the early 1300s by the Metropolitan of Larisa, Dionysius. On the first level there is a small chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, and there is also a crypt where manuscripts and various relics are kept. On the second floor is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The third level consists of the chapel of St. John the Baptist, a frescoed dining room, and a crypt for storing relics. Today, a relatively convenient staircase leads to the monastery.
Rusanu Monastery
No one knows the exact date the appearance of the temple and the history of its origin. So among all the Meteor monasteries in Greece, this one can be called the most mysterious. There is an assumption that the temple was founded in the late 1200s by Rusanos, but no evidence has been found for this. It is also called the Monastery of St. Barbara, because on the territory of the preserved complex there is a temple of the same name, decorated with amazingly beautiful frescoes, and also has a carved wooden iconostasis, covered with gilding. The main monastery was restored in the Byzantine style already in the 16th century.
Monastery of the Holy Trinity
The temple is located on top of one of the most picturesque rocks. This is a monastery, to which 140 steps lead, carved right into the rock, so the climb is difficult, and not every person can do it. This feature makes the monastery the most peaceful, since there are very few people here, and therefore asceticism has the opportunity to flourish in full.
What do tourists say about the Meteora monasteries in Greece?
The oldest religious Greek landmark will forever remain in the memories of those who managed to visit this unique and mysterious place, giving an amazingly beautiful view, a feeling of calm and lightness. Each tourist tries in his own way to describe the delight that can only be experienced here. Peace and tranquility - this is what is guaranteed to a person who has visited Meteora. Besides peace of mind tourists manage to capture unique picturesque pictures in their photographs.
Travelers recommend coming here at any time of the year. Even in winter, when the peaks of Meteora are shrouded in snow and in the grip of a foggy haze, the area has its own charm. Some emphasize that in the cold season the impressions are much stronger than in the summer. You just need to dress warmer.
Tourists write extremely positive reviews about the Meteor monasteries in Greece. Even a person far from religious topics will appreciate the beauty of the country’s most ancient monasteries. However, there are several recommendations that are worth considering:
- Each temple is closed to visitors one day a week. All monasteries have their own day set aside for this. Some of them are also not accessible during lunch - from 13:00 to 15:00. The Monastery of the Transfiguration is open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:15 to 18:00, except Tuesday. The Church of St. Barlaam is open at the same hours, except Friday. The monastery of St. Stephen also operates, but it is closed on Monday. From 9 am to 6 pm the churches of the Holy Trinity, St. Rusanou and St. Nicholas Anapavs are open.
- Considering the operating hours of the monasteries and their location, it is worth noting that visiting all 6 temples in one day is unrealistic; you should not even try. It's very physically difficult. If you want to visit all the monasteries, you should divide your visits into 2-3 days.
- It is imperative to take into account the type of clothing you plan to wear when visiting monasteries. Men and women must have their shoulders and legs covered (shirts with sleeves, long skirts and trousers, closed shoes). The heads of the fairer sex are covered with scarves.
- You should behave appropriately, do not talk loudly or laugh.
In the video presented above, you can admire the beauty of Meteora and view the monasteries from different angles.