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The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six (of an original twenty four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains.
The monastery of Agios Nikólaos Anapavás (left) was probably built in the 14th century. The name of the monastery is probably derived from the name of the founder (Nikólaos). The word Anapavás refers to a place of rest, probably meant as a place of rest and relaxation for the hermits. It was abandoned in 1909 and left to decay. After a long period of restoration, which began in 1960, it was made accessible again.
The monastery of Rousánou (right) is also a landmark of the Meteora monasteries due to its exposed location on a rock that can be seen from many sides. The access road circles the rock with the Rousánou monastery to the west. The origin of the monastery's name has not been conclusively clarified, nor have the date and circumstances of its foundation. The monastery complex took on its present form in the 16th century, with two brothers from Ioannina beginning construction on the rock in 1527/29.
Das Kloster Agios Nikólaos Anapavás (links) entstand vermutlich im 14. Jahrhundert. Der Name des Klosters leitet sich wahrscheinlich aus dem Namen des Stifters (Nikólaos) her. Das Wort Anapavás spricht für einen Ort der Erholung, wahrscheinlich als Ort der Erholung und Ruhe für die Eremiten gemeint. Es wurde 1909 verlassen und dem Verfall preisgegeben. Nach einer lange dauernden Restauration, die 1960 begann, wurde es wieder zugänglich gemacht.
Das Kloster Rousánou (rechts) ist durch seine exponierte Lage auf einem von zahlreichen Seiten einsehbaren Felsen ebenfalls ein Wahrzeichen der Meteora-Klöster. Die Zufahrtsstraße umrundet den Felsen mit dem Rousánou-Kloster im Westen. Die Herkunft des Namens des Klosters konnte nicht schlüssig geklärt werden, ebensowenig der Zeitpunkt und die Umstände der Gründung. Seine heutige Gestalt erhielt die Klosteranlage im 16. Jahrhundert, 1527/29 wurde von zwei aus Ioannina stammenden Brüdern mit dem Bau auf dem Felsen begonnen.
With the continuous corrosion by the wind and the rain as well as by other geological changes, these rocks took their present form through the passing of millions of years.
At the cavities, fissures and peaks of Meteora rocks, the people of that place found protection from the raids of several conquerors and of those who passed from the area.
Also, several bold hermits and anchorites found shelter at these rocks, seeking for mental calmness, tranquility and while praying they sought for Christian perfection.
Near to the Meteora rock formations’ complex there is a hidden seasonal waterfall. It is only known to few locals, because it is almost inaccessible, as one needs to walk upstream within the brook’s bed to reach the waterfall. The flow of water is quite small in the summer (as in this photograph shot in late September), but it gets much more substantial in winter or during the first couple of days after rains.
Meteora is the name of the group comprising many impressive and lofty rock formations: The height of the sandstone megaliths ranges between 1,000-2,067 ft (300-630 m). The rock masses which were formed 60 million years ago are geologically unique and listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.
Back from a short trip to Greece, to an overcrowded Meteora and Athens...
The Monastery of St. Rousanou (Greek: Μονή Ρουσάνου) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery that is part of the Meteora monastery complex in Thessaly, central Greece.
The Holy Monastery of Roussanou was first established in the 14th century. To build the monastery, the monks had to hoist stone and other materials to the top of the massive rock pillar. Since the monks wanted to keep invaders out, they couldn't carve stairs—even for their own access. Instead, they used removable ladders.
The Meteora, literally "middle of the sky", "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above" is a formation of immense monolithic pillars and hills at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece.
It is associated with one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars.
Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteora
One of the most popular sunset viewpoints in Meteora, Greece. I was fortunate enough to arrive on time and catch the last sun rays.
Moonrise over saint Stefanos monastery in Meteora central Greece.Meteora is a geological formation over 65 millions years old.They appear after the Tethys sea has retreated. 600 years ago some greek monks founded the orthodox monastery of Saint Stefanos among other 21 monasteries
Kastraki (meaning ‘small castle’) is a small, peaceful village which from afar looks like an eagle’s nest at the bottom of two gigantic rocks.
Kastraki is indeed a most picturesque place with an authentic, local character. Feeling closer to the local lifestyle in the Greek province, enjoying the proximity to nature and finding peace of mind are some of the major assets of this place that urge visitors to book accommodation in this traditional, beautiful village.
The houses of the locals are mostly made of stone, embellished with roofs of clay tiles. They do not exceed a certain height, as they abide by the regulations of the National Archaeological Committee for the preservation of the village’s couleur locale and out of respect for the surrounding landscape.
The village of Kastraki has been classified by the Greek State, following a Presidential Decree, as a traditional resort under preservation, for three consecutive times! It is a pole of natural beauty and Tourism, very distinct in the wider region of Meteora, included in the list of Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO. The people of Kastraki share a particular affection for flowers. You can see flowers even in the yards of the most humble houses. Very often in difficult times of the past the housewives of the locals would make flower pots out of tin cans, with which they decorated their houses and yards.