Meteora

Meteora (Greek: Μετεωρα) means “suspended in the air” is a complex of six Orthodox Christian monasteries that are built on sandstone rock pillars, in central Greece.

In the 9th century, an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to the ancient pinnacles some of which are 1800 feet high and led a life of solitude.  

Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people was by means of baskets and ropes.  This great height, combined with the sheerness of the cliff walls, kept away all but the most determined visitors.  Today access to the monasteries is via paved roads but still demanding as visitors like my son John and Mark before had to walk up stairs with hundred of steps.  Meteora because of its physical beauty, geological and ecclesiastical history makes a visit a memorable experience for the fortunate few who visit this unique place.