Vacation Pics

Meteora means "suspended in air" it's a strange but breathtaking landscape

that has been sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years and takes

in the entire rock community of 24 monasteries.

 In the 14th century the main access to the monasteries was by a net hitched

over a hook and hoisted by rope.  We can still see the nets today but new

roads and bridges make it easier to see the monasteries.

 

We visited Agios Stephanos (St Stephen) monastery founded in the 14th

century and is now a convent for nuns.  This monastery was damaged by the

Nazi's during WW11 because they believed it was harboring insurgents.  The

nuns have restored the church and a small museum.  Ladies must wear skirts

and long pants for men.  The nuns got quite irate when one of the men in our

group put a skirt on (he thought he had to since he was wearing shorts ....)

 

We also visited the Holy Monastery of Rousanou (Santa Barbara) founded in

the 13th century and now functions as a convent for nuns. The site includes

an octagonal-domed church and nice courtyard.  The monastery is relatively

accessible thanks to a new bridge.

 

Returned to Athens and boarded a ship to Israel the following day.

 

Thanks Barry & Louise D.