METEORA AND GREEK ORTHODOX MONASTERIES:
We arrived at Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site, and was greeted by steep cliffs and interesting rock formations. Meteora is home to more than 20 Greek Orthodox monasteries built centuries ago; only six remained today. These monasteries were built high on the rock cliffs only accessible by long ladders as the monks in those times found the rock cliffs to be safe from threat. When they felt threatened, the long ladders would be pulled up, cutting access to the monasteries by any unwelcomed visitors.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity on top of a cliff – built in 1475 and was remodeled many times in 1684, 1689, 1692, 1741.
Rock cliffs in Meteora
Rock cliffs in Meteora. Notice the monasteries perched high on the rocks.
Rock cliffs in Meteora
Holy Monastery of Saint Barbera Roussanou from the view point.
Mum and dad. The building on mum’s left is the Holy Monastery of Saint Barbara Roussanou.
HOLY MONASTERY OF SAINT BARBARA ROUSSANOU:
This monastery is one of six in Meteora. It is one of the two Greek Orthodox monasteries that are still inhabited by nuns. As the monastery was located on a rock cliff, we had to hike down from the view point and then make our way up the stair case into the monastery. It is here we learnt that centuries ago, hermit monks used to live in the rock hollows and caves of Meteora.
Staircase leading up to the monastery. Entrance ticket – 2 Euro per person
Nice garden at the monastery
Bell tower at the monastery
Zig zagging trail leading us to the Holy Monastery of Saint Barbara Roussanou
The ground is dotted with small white and purple flowers, not sure what they are called but they look like butterflies.
The tiny flowers, up close.
______________________________________
Church at Klisouro village
Watch out for the pig crossing the road – near the village of Krania
Breakfast time for the little piglets and their mom.
No comments:
Post a Comment