Greece essentials: the curious case of Meteora monasteries

There is little doubt in the fact that travellers all over the world are in irrevocable love with Greece. An island nation, Greece might just be the place where no two sunsets are alike and each of those is to die for. Its islands are spread far and wide, across the Aegean and Ionian seas. A nation mostly known for its splendidly rich history and some of the world’s best beaches, Greece also has a mysticism that is hard to beat; remember all those stories about oracles, the Greek gods, and all those omens? If you do remember, then there is more for you, for Greece is also home to the monasteries of Meteora.

These monasteries are ranked as one of the world’s most treacherous settings, and the sheer sight of these structures will make you gape in awe. The monasteries at Meteora are perched on unbelievable yet real massive rock columns beside the Pindos Mountains. These rocks are believed to have formed some 60 million years ago, further eroded by water and wind. While the region was inhabited by cavemen, the monasteries came into being in the 14th century, as the monks living in the area sought shelter from attacks by the Turks. The monasteries at Meteora present a sight that is daunting, even as they are accessible now. Imagine the thrill of using hanging ladders and ropes, for that was the only way of reaching the monasteries! These ropes were replaced only when they were down to mere shreds, making each climb a leap of faith in true sense. Pilgrims, monks as well as goods had to be hauled up in nets or baskets till the 1920s, until stairs were cut into rocks. A further peek into the history of these would reveal that the site was also bombed during WWII!

While the original monastery count was 24, only six are functioning for now. If you have Greece on your bucket list, know that you cannot strike it off till you visited the Meteora Monasteries. It is well-connected by trains and buses from Athens. And though the monasteries require a good, hard climb, the experience and views from the top are totally worth it.
Once there, you can imagine what it would have been like to climb those up in nets! Of course, the topography of these structures is inspiring enough to satiate the curiosity bug in you.