Holy Monastery of Rousanou, Meteora, Greece
Meteora in Greek means suspended in air and true to its meaning each monastery there looks suspended in air. As if the pointed peaks weren’t enough they even have functional monasteries on top of the peaks! During Ottoman rule, monks, hermits, fled the villages in the plains and sought refuge in these mountain peaks. The cavities, fissures and peaks of Meteora rocks, provided protection from the oppressors. There are just 6 functional monasteries today out of the 24 that existed centuries back. During winters only 5 are open to tourists.We had one whole day to do the 5 monasteries, just enough time and we didn’t wish to rush. The Holy Monastery of Rousanou is lower in elevation compared to all others and in my opinion most beautifully located. Our first halt was at this monastery. The Holy Monastery of Rousanou was founded in 1545 by Joasaph and Maximos, two brothers from Epirus who built it on the ruins of an even older church. Until 1897 the ascent to the monastery was with the help of ladders made with ropes. Later two wooden bridges were made for easy access which was in use till 1936 when two strong bridges were constructed and these connected the peaks. During the WWII it was damaged by warring opponents of Greece. Since 1988, this monastery is run by the residing nuns here.
When we stood at the base of this mountain, I wondered how one can reach the top! I imagined it to be some steep climb. The steps leading to the monastery is well hidden and up up we climbed till we reached some kind of platform on top of a peak. This peak top is connected to the nunnery’s peak with a small bridge. Once inside I was in a different world! Very peaceful and calm, actually those are mild words to describe the interiors! Photography inside is a strict NO.
.
.
.
Nuns reside here.
.
,
Looks like an awesome place ! Fully of mystery, spirituality and beauty !
Why is that some of the best places in the world have "No Photography allowed" restriction?
Beautiful place, dear 🙂
Looks like from a book!
I loved that picture which has the snaking road!
Hi Yogi Saraswat, That is an interesting observation. I was not aware of Samrat Asoka's connection to Greece. I am not sure what Meteora would have meant then. I tried searching in google but couldn't find any relevant link.
Thanks a lot friends for the lovely comments and compliments. 🙂
just fascinating
That is so beautiful!
Beautiful pictures. Loved the vistas.
Loved the history of the monasteries there.. as usual perfect pics 🙂
Wow! Picturesque location & nice weather.
Wonderful place, very impressive.
These houses look so cosy, so liveable and so picturesque.
Very beautiful photos. Really beyond words to explain. Congrats.
None can miss seeing these places if there is an opportunity…. And your explanations with the relevant Photos is truly a great benefit to all the Readers… Thanks for sharing!
Amazing place and photos
Indeed a spectacular place & you have described it so beautifully.. 🙂
Great pics & info, Indrani. Because of you & Mridula, I feel like, I've been to Greece 🙂
Such a beautiful place and it is being more beautiful through your lenses Indrani ji. You told the meaning of Moteora in your very first line but Now a days a serial " Chakravaerti Samrat Ashoka" is being brodcast on Colors channel and in this serial there is some part from Greek , actually Asoka's grandmother is from Greece and his own son Justin ( Asoka's father Bindusar's step brother) called her as Meteora !! so I just want to knoe there is another meaning of Meteora as Mother ?
Spectacular pictures and fascinating place. Looks like a must visit, In! Thanks for sharing 🙂
What a fascinating place.
Great shots. Quite a climb but looks worth it.
Amazing place.
Such a beautiful place!
how beautiful! i can't imagine relying on rope ladders all those years!
Such a spectacular place and with a view as well!! So much beauty and history, Indrani!! Thank you, as always, for sharing! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!