Meteora is a group of monasteries in central Greece perched on top of mountainous spits. The Holy Monastery of Grand Meteoron is the largest of the remaining active monasteries and one of the first stops of the daytripping groups. It is a fascinating place. The day I went, the building was writhed in fog that made it feel more like a scene out of a movie or book than reality.
This building is amazing and serene and surreal all at once. The fog and the occasional chanting really made it feel like something out of a book. Especially as it got hotter later in the day and after a while all of the monasteries began to blend together, this was my favorite one.
Climbing Up
The monastery is built on top of a mountain with sheer cliffs on all sides. In order to get up to it, there are quite a few stairs. Most are carved into the side of the rock, or occasionally through it, and wind upwards at steep angles. It is not very handicap friendly from what I saw. Despite the steep climb, the views are well worth it.
Philosophy and Religion
Inside, my absolutely favorite part of the monastery was a mural of Jesus and several Greek philosophers and scientists each carrying a scroll. According to a sign the translations of the scrolls are famous quotes from the Greek philosophers about their ideas of God, most written centuries before Jesus.
I found this fascinating. To see scientists and their examining of the world honored in a religious place is neat. I went looking for a book or even just a postcard with the translations, but couldn’t find one. Even without it, the green balls held by the figures easily identify the figure, such as Pythagoras with the triangle. (who remembers high school geometry?)
Active Monastery
The monasteries of Meteora are still active monasteries. So like in many churches shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Don’t worry though, there are coverings available to borrow at the door. There are also entire sections not open to the public for use solely by the monks.
One of the “advertised” features of this monastery is the ossuary, the room of bones. I have seen these kind of things all over Europe, but still find them creepy. Though if this is your kind of thing, there is a room full of skulls here.
Peaceful Serene
Even with the wads of tourists wandering around, I still felt peaceful here. At one point I sat on a bench watching the fog swirl around the mountain pillars and reveal the other monastery across the way. It was a nice contemplative experience. This is in somewhat stark contrast to the row of souvenir stands near the parking lot.
I really like the photo of the monastery shrouded in the fog!
Me too. I was not as big of a fan of mainland Greece as of the islands, but this place was really cool.
Wow, this looks like an amazing and beautiful place, and I agree that the Jesus + philosophers image is unexpected!
I really wish I could have found the translation. Some of the quotes from the philosophers were quite interesting. A few echoing things in the scriptures that hadn’t been written yet.
I’ve been to these monasteries when I was really young. My parents always went to Greece in the summer break. But as expected, I have no lasting memories of them. It’s nice to see them here shrouded in mist. I don’t think, though, that it had been the case when my parents brought me there.
You should make a time to go back. As should I actually. I wish I had stayed another day as the following day was bright blue sunny. Even though the fog is cool, it would have been neat to see the contrast.
Andrew, this looks amazing. I would love to visit this monastery. History and religion interest me. The room with the bones, not at all. the crypts in Italy really freaked me out.
Totally with you there. The bones were really creepy. I did look in real quick, but that was as much as I could handle.
This looks amazing. Love the staircase with the people on it, and the atmosphere lent to the photos by the fog. I’ve not spent much time in Greece, but it looks like it has plenty to offer!
Yeah, the staircases at each monastery were pretty cool. Greece is well worth a visit. It is tourist destination, not just because it is cheap, but also because there is a lot of really awesome stuff to see there.
Awesome photo essay and congrats on the new site!
Thanks. The site is based on this style of mini-photo essay of places. We started our sites within a few weeks of each other, so congrats on yours as well.
I”m not religious, but love visiting monasteries. This one looks especially nice.
It is. There are 6 active ones in Meteora. I have posts coming for some of the others in the next weeks.
That’s fabulous. I’ve wanted to visit this monastary since I first saw photos of it. It’s stunning!
It is stunning and very well worth the visit.
I LOVE these photos with the fog. So gorgeous! Another place to add to the list when we finally make it to Greece.
Yeah there are a lot of cool places in Greece. More posts coming about the monasteries as well as the islands.
It’s really interesting to see a Greek sight covered in fog. I’m in the country at the moment and I don’t think I’ve seen a single cloud! I’d almost forgotten that it wasn’t bright blue sky everyday!
It cleared up that afternoon and the next day. I actually wished I had been able to get some shots in full sun, but the fog makes for nice pictures too. Such a neat country.