Greece – Part II

The name Meteora originates from Greek word “meteora”, which translates “rised above the ground”. The Turkish word “kalampak” has a similar meaning and the city Kalambaka was named after this word. Kalambaka and Kastraki, which is closer to the monasteries, are the starting point for the tourists who wish to visit the monasteries of Meteora. Both town have many stores, restaurants and hotels. Some hotels in Kalambaka even offer a great view on the rocks that protect the northern part of the town, but the greatest view is on the two monasteries that you can see even from the hotel rooms. It is possible to walk to the monasteries on the old paths that the monks used, but it’s quicker and easier to visit the monasteries by car or by bus. An asphalted road connects all the monasteries of Meteora.

 

There are many explanations about the origins of the rock pillars of Meteora. The most believable theory is that these rocks were on the bottom of the sea that covered the Thessaly lowlands. Because of tectonic movement, the bottom raised a little. Earthquakes, winds and water then shaped these pillars through millions of years into shapes that we see today. The origin may not be totally clear, but there are proofs that people lived in the caves and cracks of these more than 20 giant rock pillars. Even before the religion communities appeared in the 10th century, the monks have made these rocks their home and prayed to God and read Orthodox texts. Two monks came from the holy mountain Athos in 1336 and just a few years later, Atanastasios founded the first monastery, the Big Meteoron. The area is named after the monastery. Because of the inaccessibility of the monastery there are even theories that this first monastery was built by supernatural power and with help of angels. Other monasteries were founded on these rocks a little later. In 16th century there were 24 of them. The monasteries were especially important in time of Turkish occupation (1453 - 1828), when they became the centre of Greek culture and language. They were leading secret schools, where they taught Greek language. Because the monasteries supported Greeks fighting for independence, they were robbed or even burned. They started to fall back in 18th century, partly because the centre of the new Greek country was moved to the south, to Athens. Thessaly stayed outside this circle. And partly because the monasteries weren’t built good enough. Around 1970 they became a tourist attraction. Meteora is also popular as a mountain climbing destination. Maybe modern climbers can understand the skills of these people, who made the caves and rock gaps their home. 

 

People still talk how they built the monasteries in 14th century on these rocks to think about the meaning of life and mightiness of God separated from the world. People could get on these giant rock pillars, where the monasteries were located, only by ropes or ladders up till 20th century, when the stairs were built. The monasteries had special pulleys that we can still see today so they could pull up nets with people or food. This way, they were protected from unwanted guests. They could create priceless art inside the monasteries, like wall paintings, art icons, ornate letters in manuscripts and excellent carvings. People once asked the monks, how often they change the ropes, and they got a simple answer: “When Gods let it rip.” The ropes are still used to pick up food, and some monasteries are also equipped by a cableway.

 

Meteora is the second most important complex of Orthodox monasteries in Greece, right after the holy mountain Athos. There are six monasteries (St. Nicholas Anapaus, Rousanou, Varlaam, Big Metereon, the Trinity and St. Steven) which you can visit for 3 euros at different times of the day and different days, with proper clothing.