Rising to God

Rising to God

Greece
Region of Thessaly
The valley of Meteora

Meteora( Greek= Hanging in the air), is the second largest and most important complex of ancient Byzantine monasteries in Central Greece, second to the famous Holy Mount Athos.The six monasteries belonging to the complex are all built on top of natural rocks and up to nearly hundred years ago accesion to them was possible only in large wooden baskets lifted by means of primitive machines propelled by hands.This rocky area of the Thessalic plain is recorded to be inhabited since the prehistoric era and the first human presence was located in caves in the rocks. But it's real Greek Orthodox theological importance started to be established by 10th to 11th centuries AC when shepherds started to inhabit Meteora in hollows, fissures and caves and when hermit monks started to gather there to have a life of solitude and praying.These were the first to form a rudimentary monastic state that gradually grew up by other monks that flocked there from everywhere.From the 12th century the site was considered one of the most important Greek Orthodox communities and Byzantine Emperors built the imposing monasteries declaring the place as a refuge for a strict hermetic life.Some of them also ended their life there after being deposed from Constantinople.The monasteries are rich in mosaics, frescoes and icons and the whole site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. By the way, the place is also opened to...women contrary to the Holy Mount Athos! We are all in need of God this particularly dificult period...
The photo shows a panoramic view of the Thessalic Plain.
(The photos were taken at different times)