We spent today in Meteora visiting the monasteries. There are 6 monasteries that are still active. Each monastery is closed one day of the week. The 6 monasteries are built on natural pillars that dominate the area. they are believed to have been built in the 12th century. The oldest The Great Meteoron Monastery was closed today (we will visit tomorrow was built between 1356 to 1372. It was built on the Broad Rock. The only way to reach it was by climbing a long ladder, which the monks pulled up whenever they felt threatened.
By the end of the 14th century, more than 20 monasteries were built, but only 6 remain today. Access to the monasteries was difficult requiring long ladders latched together or large nets used to haul up goods.
In the 1920’s, steps were cut into the rocks making the monasteries more accessible. During World War II, the site was bombed.
The monasteries we visited today were the Monastery of Rousanou, Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, Monastery of St. Stefanos and the monastery of the Holy Trinity.
The Monastery of Rousanou was built during the 14th century. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and decorated in 1540. The name comes from the first group of monks that settled on the rock from Russia. The monastery’s elevation is 484 meters.
The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is atop a small narrow rock. It is about 80 meters high and is the first monastery that was encountered by pilgrims on their way to Meteora. This monastery was also founded in the 14th century. The monastery served as a resting place for pilgrims. The floors are connected through an interior staircase. St. Nicholas is honored on the 2nd floor and on the third floor there is the Holy Table and the walls are decorated by 14th century frescoes. The monastery was restored in the 1960’s.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Monastery of St, Stephen was built in the 14th century. The cathedral however was built in 1798 making it the newest of all the structures. The insides were decorated with frescoes. During the World Wars the monasteries were bombed and ransacked because it was believed the monks were holding refugees. Nowadays, St. Stephen is home to 28 nuns after it was converted to a nunnery in 1961.
It was very beautiful visiting these monasteries today and marveling at how they were able to be built where they were.
