Sunrise: Volos 7:10am
Sunset: 7:38pm
Steps: 9,398
We met in the lobby again this morning at 8:55 and were all on the bus and on our way by 9am.
The drive took a couple of hours. Metrora is north west from Volos & we travelled on the highway for the first 40 minutes then took the exit for Larisa, Karditsa, Trikala.
The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. (source Wikipedia)
We visited Agios Stefnos or St. Stephens Nunnery, first up. Easy access to the monastery.
None of the monasteries allow photos or videos to be taking inside the churches or museums, hence not a lot of indoor religious photos.
Moni Aghiou Stefanou was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in c.1400. The monastery suffered much damage in the 20th century: it was bombed during World War II and desecrated during the subsequent Civil War. In the latter period, most of the frescoes were defaced by Communist rebels. St. Stephen's was virtually abandoned until 1961, when it became a nunnery. It is currently inhabited by 28 nuns led by Abbess Agathi Antoniou. (source Sacred Destinations)
From there we went back to the bus and drove to Varlaam Monastery, stopping along the way for a photo opportunity with a view of 4 of the monasteries.
We then continued on to Varlaam Monestery. I think we were told that it's 126 steps to reach the monaster. It probably was but because of the people going up, it wasn't a particularly fast climb.
Varlaam Monastery (or Barlaam Monastery) in the Metrora is named for the monk who first built a tiny chapel on this rocky promontory in the 14th century. It has an elegant church with 16th-century frescoes by a well-known iconographer and other notable buildings.
After visiting Vaarlum, we then went to Kalambaka and had some lunch, before returning to Volos.
Just near Larisa, on the opposite side of the highway, we saw riot police and blocked traffic. Apparently there was a football match to be played and the police were taking measures to prevent a riot or clashes between the supporters of the 2 teams. It must be finals time and the police are trying to keep a lid on conflicts. All over a football match !!!!
We were back at the hotel around 4:30ish. I downloaded photos and then went for a walk. No shops were open. I was hoping to buy some takeaway for dinner but in the end, I ended up back at the restaurant where we ate last night and had Tzatziki and Stuffed Yellow Peppers. The waiter made sure that I wasn't given a 'usual' sized portion, as it would have been far to much for me.
We met in the lobby again this morning at 8:55 and were all on the bus and on our way by 9am.
The drive took a couple of hours. Metrora is north west from Volos & we travelled on the highway for the first 40 minutes then took the exit for Larisa, Karditsa, Trikala.
Countryside between Volos & Meteora
Larisa is a large town in an agricultural area. We passed a stadium and sporting complex along the way.
We visited Agios Stefnos or St. Stephens Nunnery, first up. Easy access to the monastery.
None of the monasteries allow photos or videos to be taking inside the churches or museums, hence not a lot of indoor religious photos.
Moni Aghiou Stefanou was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in c.1400. The monastery suffered much damage in the 20th century: it was bombed during World War II and desecrated during the subsequent Civil War. In the latter period, most of the frescoes were defaced by Communist rebels. St. Stephen's was virtually abandoned until 1961, when it became a nunnery. It is currently inhabited by 28 nuns led by Abbess Agathi Antoniou. (source Sacred Destinations)
From there we went back to the bus and drove to Varlaam Monastery, stopping along the way for a photo opportunity with a view of 4 of the monasteries.
We then continued on to Varlaam Monestery. I think we were told that it's 126 steps to reach the monaster. It probably was but because of the people going up, it wasn't a particularly fast climb.
Varlaam Monastery (or Barlaam Monastery) in the Metrora is named for the monk who first built a tiny chapel on this rocky promontory in the 14th century. It has an elegant church with 16th-century frescoes by a well-known iconographer and other notable buildings.
After visiting Vaarlum, we then went to Kalambaka and had some lunch, before returning to Volos.
Just near Larisa, on the opposite side of the highway, we saw riot police and blocked traffic. Apparently there was a football match to be played and the police were taking measures to prevent a riot or clashes between the supporters of the 2 teams. It must be finals time and the police are trying to keep a lid on conflicts. All over a football match !!!!
We were back at the hotel around 4:30ish. I downloaded photos and then went for a walk. No shops were open. I was hoping to buy some takeaway for dinner but in the end, I ended up back at the restaurant where we ate last night and had Tzatziki and Stuffed Yellow Peppers. The waiter made sure that I wasn't given a 'usual' sized portion, as it would have been far to much for me.
It was nice, sitting in the late sunshine, enjoying a light meal and a glass of red wine.
Back to the hotel. Packed up ready for tomorrow's early departure and updating this blog.
We head to Nafpaktos tomorrow, visiting Delphi along the way.
Just on 10pm and time for bed. Night all.
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