Added: 06/12/2006 |
Meteora, Greece - the Site of the Amazing Ancient MonasteriesMeteora, Greece is situated in the district of Thessaly, prefecture of Trikala, province of Kalambaka, to the east of the Pindos Mountains. The nearby towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki have become very touristy with accompanying higher rates than the outlying areas. Meteora, Greece is very famous for its monasteries on the top of the nearby rock towers. The Meteora monasteries rise at the center of Greece, where Pinios River emerges from the deep canyons of the Pindus range and surges into the Thessalian plain. The monasteries are built on rock pinnacles of deltaic origin, called "Meteora," rising over 400m above the Thessalian plain. Precariously hanging over the sinister abysses, with the Pindus range at their back and the vast plain, woods, gorges and picturesque villages below, these unworldly hermitages compose one of the most breathtaking sites on earth.
The group of Monasteries in Meteora, Greece comprises the following monasteries: Ascension of Jesus Christ; Transfiguration of the Saviour; Varlaam, Saint Nikolas Anapafsas; Roussanou; Holy Trinity; and Saint Stephan. These are built directly on the rock's surface without foundations as such. Religious life, starting in the form of hermits' dwellings, can be traced to around 1,000 AD. The first monastic community emerged in the 14th century, and was most successful during the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 17th century, the monastic population had reduced to one-third of its original size. The site was bombed during World War II and many art treasures stolen. The Meteora monasteries represent a unique example of monastic life since the 14th century.
A good paved road makes access to each of the main monasteries easy and interesting. They may be visited in succession on a single trip. On the left of the road to the monasteries, at the foot of the Meteora, stands Doupiani hermitage and the 12th century chapel of the Virgin. Nearby are the ruined monasteries of Pantocrator and Doupiani. One should also visit the exquisite church of the Transfiguration with fine frescoes, fascinating to the visitor, and an intricate twelve-sided dome. Of interest too are the monastery's Refectory - today a Museum - and its Library's numerous manuscripts and rare books. When stopping at the isolated monasteries of Meteora and looking at the Pindus range and the Thessalian plain down below, one understands why the hermits chose this spot in order to serve God and approach him. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988, the site is also of geological interest with reference being made to it by ancient Greek writers such as Herodotous and Strabo.
Combining a trip to Meteora, Greece with another destination such as Zagoria or the Halkidiki peninsula is a great option. If you do not plan to travel to other areas in northern Greece or if your time is limited, the most efficient way to visit Meteora is to take a bus tour from Athens. You can usually negotiate a good deal with any of the several travel agencies to be found around Syntagma Square.
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