Sell everything you own. Longing for inner peace, who hasn’t thought of doing this at some point?
Well, some have done it.
In 9th-century Greece, ascetics sought seclusion from worldly travails by climbing the towering cliffs of the Pindus Mountains in Thessaly. Amid these pillar-like formations, they found blissful quietude. The view from these cliffs was a religious experience, inspiring their quest for divinity, far from a world beset with strife and persecution.
Organized by a monk named Nilos, these ascetics followed the Eastern Orthodox Church and began a lofty construction project. By the 14th century, they had established 24 monasteries, seemingly climbing to the heavens for solitude and contemplation.
It all started with the Holy Monastery of Great Metéoron in 1344, founded by Saint Athanasios, followed by the Monastery of Varlaam and others. Steps carved into the living rock made the treacherous journey passable. Together, these monasteries became known as Metéora, translating to “suspended in air.”
Formed over millions of years, Metéora’s unique geography provided a perfect sanctuary. The monks used ropes, ladders, and winch towers to build their monasteries, making them impervious to attack. When the Turkish Ottoman Empire expanded in the 15th century, Metéora offered safe haven to persecuted Greeks and Catholics.
Metéora thrived for centuries, adorned with frescoes by artists like Theophanis the Cretan. However, the 20th century brought trials, reducing the number of active monasteries from 24 to 6. Earthquakes, landslides, and World War II bombings took their toll.
Despite these challenges, Metéora underwent conservation and became a UNESCO heritage site in 1988. Today, it remains open to visitors, blending ancient spirituality with modern tourism. Its majestic monasteries, perched atop soaring rock pillars, continue to inspire awe and serenity.
For those seeking peace, Metéora stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of divine tranquility.
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