Meteora Monastery

The monastery sits high upon rugged rock formation tops. This visit offered a departure from anything else we observed on the trip for two reasons. First it was not of the classical nor Hellenistic period; obviously a monastery entails a Christian settlement, a religion that emerged long after the classical religion featuring Zeus and the gods upon Mt. Olympus. Secondly, this offered a glimpse into a later episode of Greek history: Orthodox Greek Christianity, and backlash against Ottoman Turk occupation.

Here one could observe the lifestyle, dress, and artifacts of the residents who lived here long ago. Living on the edge of oblivion was a meager living indeed. The landscape on which the monastery sits is some of the most rugged I have ever observed. A system of ropes, pulleys, and baskets was used to transport goods up and down. Particularly interesting (and I might add morbid) was the shelves full of skulls on display for unsuspecting tourists. The skulls are of the deceased monks who have lived here over the centuries.

One of the most memorable parts of the site was a series of rooms with wall paintings depicted how saints were martyred. They suffered horrendous deaths, mostly at the hands of Muslims. Gruesome stoning, stretching, burnings, and death by bow and arrow were enough to make the stomach churn with disgust. Whilst not allowed to take photographs, I was able to sneak this one in. The other is a depiction of Jesus and his disciples and is only a "G" rating compared to the "NC-17" ones seen elsewhere. The means to gain the title of saint is not one I would one to experience. The inhabitants of this monastery viewed these men with great reverence.

There was also a small museum where artifacts and clothing of old were to be found. Military garb and weapons were on display, as well as incense and candles, photos and posters, all for sale to tourists.

The incredible and utterly rugged landscape on which the monks lived lends them credit for being able to survive in such conditions. Throughout history monks have sought refuge in isolation and untamed lands; here is a perfect example.