Meteora, Greece Thurs. March 26, 2026
Larry and I took a day trip to Meteora, 350 kilometers north of Athens. Leaving our place at 7:00am we caught the subway to Larissa Station and met the bus across the street.
.We passed by several snow covered mountains going up a modern expressway going through numerous toll booths.
Our bus passed several convoys of military equipment from the military parade in Athens being transported back to its base .
Wind turbines dotted mountain sides.
What cool architecture!
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Two hours out of Athens we stopped in Kamena Vourla for a 35 minute break capturing incredible views across the North European Sea.
What an interesting little structure sitting on a post.
The Camino Restaurant was across the street.
The Cappuccino is excellent there.
The bus continued on till it reached the small town of Kastraki where we had a lunch break.
We could see the unusual rock formations
Larry and I ate lunch quickly and had a walk about the town.
Spring was unfolding.
How long will this narrow stone be standing?
Wind blown caves appeared in the rocks.
We climbed the hillside path and lots of steps up to the first monastery, St. Nicholas Anapausas. Founded in the late 14th century. Being on a narrow surface, the floors are connected by interior staircases.
We could see another monastary , Rousanow, (a nunnery) while walking up the steep path.
Several friendly cats begged for attention.
Views were impressive
While it was built in the 14 century, it has undergone restorations in the 16th century and in the 1960s.
All the monastaries had fascinating egg tempera frescos in their chapels from floor to the very ceiling with huge candles on chandeliers. Pictures were not allowed but these original frescos were magnificent.
Pilgrims would spend the night here on their way into the Holy Meteora. Currently three monks lived here.
Construction is still going on.
Our next stop was at the largest monastery
The scenery getting there was unbelievable.
This monastery was much easier to access.
Getting modern conveniences ( water, electricity, paved roads) provided great improvements.
Rainwater was captured and candles provided light for hundreds of years.
Larry wanted a straw to sample the barrel contents
Vineyards below were grown to make wine for communion.
Grapes and materials were hoisted up on a hook from this room.
One of the monks was buried here last year.
The stone work in the ceilings was done by talented craftsmen
A new museum contained artifacts of the monastery
Many documents, paintings robes, etc were on display.
18th century
Bishop's Throne, 18th century
15th century fresco donated
A library of ancient books
To become a monk they must make a commitment of three years, that could be extended. The head monk makes the decision. Often the commitment is extended because he does not want to lose the monk to another monastery
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| Six monastaries are active of the 24 that were built. |
This monastary has one monk occupying it.
Monastery Cats
St. Stephan's Holy Monastery
Now a Nunnery, it was
completed during the 14th century.
You cross this rocky precipice by bridge to enter.
We paid 5 euros each to enter. It was interesting that the nuns had skirt/scarf organized on hooks for women to borrow to wrap around their lower extremities. The monks had them as well, but they were tossed in a box helterskelter. LOL!
Town of Kalambaka
The nuns had a pretty rose garden.
Getting water and electricity into the monastery was an much needed upgrade. Before modern technology there were candles for light and rain water to used.
1857 gold embroidery
The nuns had a wonderful museum.
Throne for the bishop
Retrieving the Lord's body from the Throne, 1670
by Emmanuel Janne the Cretan
6th century document
10th century document-How did they write so tiny?
12th century
Looking at the vineyards into the town of
Kalambaka
Hermit caves in the rocks were used before the monasteries were established
The sun spotlighted this rock making it brighter than the other rocks.
The bus stopped in Kamena Vourla for a dinner break.
The rest of the way home Larry and I watched the movie, The Last of the Dogman.
Looking back at the pictures Larry and I both agreed that pictures do not do justice to these amazing landscapes. You really need to go there to capture the full effect.
What a great excursion! We are so glad that we came to see the Meteora.
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