Monasteries of Meteora (Greece) - the shrine of Orthodoxy

Acropolis and other antique attractions - not the only thing that Greece can boast of. Meteors, Which were built in the Middle Ages, are no less significant cultural monuments, which every traveler who comes to this country should see. Already one of them makes the heart beat faster. Becomes clear and somewhat strange name, akin to monasteries with heavenly bodies: Μετέωρα in Greek means "hovering in the air." Indeed, it seems that these six monasteries have frozen, hung motionless between heaven and earth.

It is said that the first monasteries of solitary hermits appeared on the tops of these rocks in the 11th century. The monks sought solitude, so that, away from worldly vanity and vanity, they should be closer to God. Later, around the beginning of the fourteenth century, the monks began to organize themselves into religious communities. So the first monasteries appeared, and until the beginning of the XVI century their number increased to 24. Using the respect of the surrounding population and living at the expense of offerings and reception of pilgrims, these monasteries prospered until the 17th century. Despite the fact that only six of them are now preserved, things are no worse than before. In Athens or other cities of mainland Greece, you can often see posters with the inscription "Meteora, Greece": Day trips to these places are very popular.

How to independently come to Meteora

Greece is divided into provinces. Famous monasteries are in Thessaly, interesting also with their fantastic scenery. There are a lot of vertically raced up to the sky stalagmite rocks-remnants. The tops of six of them are crowned with Orthodox monasteries. If you arrived with the pious purpose of pilgrimage to holy places and wish to slowly bypass each monastery, it is better to come here not as part of a one-day excursion. Tourists are given to visit only one or two monasteries in a couple of hours, since the road from Athens and back takes a long time. It is best to stay in the town of Kalambaka, at the very foot of the monasteries. There are many hotels in it, designed for people of different incomes.

What to bring to Meteora

Greece is a country of deeply religious people. Visiting any temples requires strict dress code: long trousers for men, closed shoulders and long skirts for women. Going on an excursion, do not forget to grab drinking water, because climbing to a height of more than 600 meters on the steps (here and there, however, there is a good asphalt road) is not easy.

In what order should you visit Meteora (Greece)

It is recommended that you first visit the hermitages of Stagie and Dupiani, which initiated the "monastic power" of Meteora. There the hermits gathered together for joint meals for the holidays. Then, following the chronological order, you need to visit the monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It was founded in 1334 by the desert Athanasius, who came up with the name for the monastery - Meteora. Greece At the time, she suffered because of the invasion of the Crusaders, and the inaccessibility of the rocks served the monks a good service. Athanasius suggested that the hermits should unite in a religious community and establish a monastic charter.

Visiting the Great Meteor (Preobrazhensky Monastery), you can go to other monasteries: St. Nicholas Anapavsas, Varlaam, Holy Trinity. Women can visit two women's cloisters - Holy Rusana (Barbara) and St. Stephen.