Meteora... hanging between heaven and earth!!

This is easily one of my favorite places in all of Greece, some claim that it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. As you cross the flat Thessalian plain a forest of Giant Standing Stones spring up on the horizon. About 1000 of these gigantic rocks separate the plains with the Pindus Mountains. Monks began using caves in the area as retreats in the 9th century and they built the first of 26 monasteries in the 11th century. During World War II the Nazi's bombed and looted these monasteries extensively. Becoming a monk has become a less fashionable vocation these days so all but six have been abandoned.

In 1981 the James Bond film, "For your Eyes Only" featured The Holy Trinity monastery here. Surprisingly the monks were unable to convince Bond to join the brotherhood. The area is a wonderful place for  hikers and spelunkers. The Theopetra caves in the area have been inhabited for over 50,000 years. The oldest known man made structure on the planet is a 27,000 year old wall inside the cave. Humans first interior renovations, these cave men had style. Meteora is one place i could never get bored and i will come back to again and again. If ever you plan to come to Greece put Meteora on your bucket list.  

Imagine the work building these monasteries!

"Don't jump kitty, there is still reason to live!"

Can i borrow your ladder..?

I was refused entry because of the...dress code!