Olympic Coast/Meteora
Breakfast. Liturgy. Free time for sea rest.
Optional: Excursion to the majestic Meteora monasteries. Evening return to the hotel. Dinner, overnight stay. Literally, the name of the Meteora monastery complex translates very poetically as “those hovering in the clouds”. The reason for such an inspired name is quite simple, as all the monasteries are built on the tops of rocks at an altitude of 600m above sea level. The first monastery – the hermitage of the Holy Spirit – was built by the hermit Barnabas in 950-970.
Meteora – Sights Today, 6 monasteries are open for visiting: 4 male (“Varlaam”, “Transfiguration of the Lord”, “St. Nicholas Anapausas”, “Holy Trinity”) and 2 female (“Roussanou or St. Barbara Monastery”, “St. Stephen”). Each of these monasteries is a small masterpiece with its own history, unique architecture, inimitable paintings, frescoes, mosaics, iconostases, ancient manuscripts and icons. It’s worth knowing that monasteries admit visitors on certain days and hours. Your clothes should be fully covered (legs and arms to the wrists), no shorts, t-shirts or short skirts. It’s not allowed to film or photograph on the monastery grounds. For convenience of ascent, stairs are equipped on the complex territory, and reliable bridges are thrown between some monasteries.