Because of
the distances involved getting to METEORA from Halkidiki my time
spent at this
incredible
place was severely limited but I fully intend to return for a longer stay.
Most photos here are mine while others and historical information are from
various guide books, so, I hope they all give you a taste of the
atmosphere and a desire to visit as I can only say that the best way to
experience it is to see it with your own eyes
METEORA.
has so much to offer : amazing
natural scenery and awesome monuments to
human
endeavour. These are some the many monasteries perched so solidly yet
precariously at the top of seemingly inaccessible pinnacles of rock.. After Mt.
Athos it is the most important monastery complex in Greece and stands
between the mountains of Pindos and Antichasia at the northwest edge of the
plain of Thessaly above Kalabaka and photogenic Kastraki. It is believed
that the
area
was first occupied by hermits as early as the 11th century and the first
signs of monastic settlements started in the late 11th and
early 12th centuries at the site of the Skete Doupiani .From the caves
that were occupied as cells the hermits came down to The Church of the Virgin
Mary of Doupiani worship. Today, after 600 years only 6 of the monasteries
continue with the traditional Monastic way of life. Thankfully since 1960
there has been a continuous 
program
of renovation and
restoration that will ensure that future generations will be able to see these
amazing examples of human resourcefulness and persistence to co exist with
natures wonders.
Varlaam. Monastery
Honoured in memory of All Saints. The main part was constructed between 1541/42 and work continued on the church and narthex continued until 1544.It is believed that just before his death the Priest/Monk Theophanis with great effort left his cell to see the newly built Church. He was completely overawed by its beauty .He blessed all the monks who had laboured long and hard as stonemasons, artists, carpenters, woodcarvers and builders. He then returned to his cell and with a happy heart he passed from this world. I can why he was much impressed with the construction : as I am involved in the construction industry myself I am amazed how such impressive building works were carried out without the aid of all the heavy machinery we use today.
Entry Tickets Hoist
4oo year old Wine cask : Call to prayer : Study
These images below of the stunning Art and Icons are reproduced from Postcards sold at the Monastery and Photos by Thanasis Euthymiopoulis of Larissa shown in the official itinerary and guide book for METEORA. I Hope that showing them here will encourage you to visit the monasteries as photos can never replace the experience of seeing these treasures with your own eyes.
