Religious Plateaus

My Dad has always told stories of 'Monasteries in the Mountains', something in itself is hard to describe. He and my mother came here in their early 20s as they started dating and fell in love with it. 'There is something majestic, something of an aura that surrounds this place,' as we stood on a cliff face, gazing at what was in front of us.

Driving from Patra to Metaora, I had no expectations or understanding on what I would see other than these monasteries stood aloft these mountain tops. As we edged closer, the roads became more treacherous. Sketchy hills, no signage, or lights makes it all seem like we might crash into an oncoming car before I ever see this place. But there is something about that drive that adds to the mystery and legend of Metaora. As you come over that final hill, your eye immediately sits one of the most beautiful wonders a person can witness. Carved into the mountain face, a monastery that has stood for hundreds of years carefully hangs among the clouds, as if a step towards the heavens. Without sounding to eccentric, it truly feels like a place carved out by some other being. Massive mountains and steep cliffs, each as dangerous as the last to conquer on foot is home to a monastery.

Walking alone is an effort in itself, which adds to the sense of awe to this place. How did these monks (who built these monasteries out of fear of the oncoming invasion from the East) carry the tools and material necessary to complete such a vast and difficult project?

'Simple,' the priest mutters, 'you have the motivation to do anything when you feel your livelihood is at risk.'

On select days at some of the monasteries, you can take a small cable car inside the monasteries. A priest greets you and unravels the mysteries surrounding the area. It is not just a treasure for the eyes, but for the ears as well as he tells you tales of Metaora's origins. Sitting by a window, peering outside into the vast openness as you sit on top of a mountain, you can understand why these priests still call this place home.

Dad and I sat on the edge of a cliff in silence as the sun set on this place. The light shoots through the extensive greenery on the mountainsides until it leaves Metaora for another day. It is not a place that can be described with ease, it is a place that needs to be seen and experienced and I am glad I could go and witness one of the most breathtaking places on this planet.