Day 4: Metéora

Thursday, May 29, 2025

‬A long time ago (800 AD), in a land far, far away (northwestern Greece), a bunch of monks settled in the crevices and caves of some vertical rock pillars, living lives of solitude and peace. Eventually (about 500-700 years later), they had grown in number to the point that they decided to build monasteries. In the 1300s, in order to seek protection from the invading Turks, they began building about 1200 feet up on the precipices of huge, rocky cliffs. Initially there were 24 monasteries, all built by hoisting supplies with ropes to the top. In the 1920s, stairs were carved into the mountain for easier access. And now we were able to get there by road. 

Today, six Eastern Orthodox monasteries remain in a cluster called Metéora. 

Four of the six remaining monasteries are visible in this picture. The only one I’m sure of is the Monastery of the Great Metéoron on the far right.

Monastery of Great Metéoron

This is the largest of the surviving six monasteries and was built in 1356. It is perched on Broad Rock about 1224 feet up. 

Monastery of Varlaam

This is the second largest of the Metéora monasteries and is also a museum. It was built in the 1500s at 1223 feet. I’m not sure how accessible to the public these are but apparently a finger of St. John and a shoulderblade of St. Andrew are preserved here. (stock photo)

Monastery of Roussanou

Initially built in 1545 for monks, it is now a nunnery. 

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

This one might have been built as early as the 1300s but maybe as late as the 1500s. 

Monastery of St. Stephen

This is the only surviving monastery visible from the town below. I can imagine that in the evening when some of its lights are shining, the compound might truly look like it is suspended in the darkness. 

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

This one is 1312 feet from the valley floor. “For Your Eyes Only” had some scenes filmed here. 

If you look very closely, suspended to the left of the monastery is a cable car of sorts.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV

LORD, Thank you for coming to take away our sins. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for reminding us today that we are secure in your hands if we believe in you and call you Lord. You alone are our help. Amen.