M E T E O R A
A Pilgrim's Journey
Greece is known for it's island party life, but the real treasures are far inland.
St. Nicholas Anapafsas is one of a chain of monasteries nestled around the peculiar mountain formations known as “Meteora”, literally “Meteor”. Since its founding in the 14th century, the Monastery has been relatively sealed off from the public world. Built atop the precipitous rock formations, supplies - and visitors - were hoisted up in a net or basket via a pulley systems.
Since the area was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1988, steps and walking paths have been constructed and prompted an influx of tourism, to both the pleasure and dismay of the Orthodox monks and nuns who, while happy to accommodate, find solitude fleeting.
These pictures are my photographic journey to the top of St. Nicolas. The goal was to capture the pilgrim's ascent to the top, the details along the way, and the peacefulness of the ancient structures and vistas.
Leaving the nearby town the town of Kastraki
Sketes:
Monks here have gone to great ends to achieve solitude, even making a permanent dwelling in places such as this.
Left: Notice the reddish stain on the basin of the well.
The land has high iron deposits, but factoids can't explain away mystery in this place.
Οστεοφυλάκιο / Osteofilakio - "Bone Container" - A Reliquary.
It was rather peculiar walking up to this open container and finding human bones at arms reach.
It was rather peculiar walking up to this open container and finding human bones at arms reach.
So much so that I felt compelled not to photograph them.
Prayer candles left by visitors. Unfortunately it was rather windy.
A Modernized version of the former pulley system still exists today.
Upon entering, I was greeted by some Orthodoxy hallmarks:
iconography, oil lamps, and the lingering smell of incense.
The encroaching visitors, such as myself.
Some views from the top
The nearby St. Rousanu (left) and St. Varlaam (right)
Ευχαριστώ / Thank You
