One of the impressive monasteries in the Greek Meteora. From the 11th century onwards, exiled monks moved to the area. In the middle of the 14th century, the first monasteries arose on the peaks, under the influence of the mystical movement of hesychasm (hesychia = peace, tranquility) and turbulent times. In 1336 the monk Athanasios, coming from Mount Athos, created his Great Meteoron, the highest (623 meters) and most important monastery that would be created here. 23 more monasteries would follow. With nets on ropes and wooden ladders, sometimes forty meters long, the monks transported the necessary goods and people upstairs.
In its heyday there was an autonomous community of monks and 24 monasteries in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world. Since 1490, the abbot of the Great Meteoron also became the head of the entire monastic community of Meteora.
After several violent centuries, only six monasteries remain in reasonable condition, some of which are still inhabited by monks. They have been on the World Heritage List since 1988.
For me, Meteora feels like one of the most beautiful places on earth. A combination of the most beautiful things that humanity and nature can create together, brought together in perfect harmony. And also a cradle of spirituality.