Meteoraklöster

Our last destination in Greece should be a spectacular setting in the heart of Greece: the Meteora Monasteries. In the 14th century, monks who had fled from Mount Athos began to build monasteries here - a total of 24 over the centuries, of which six are still inhabited today. So far, nothing special. But they did this in the eastern Pindos Mountains, which includes a mountain sculpture landscape reminiscent of Saxon Switzerland... only higher! ;) And as the highlight of the matter, they built their monasteries (somehow) on the incredibly steep and high rock pillars. A sight that is said to create the impression, especially in fog, that the buildings are floating or that they have been 'lifted up' to the heights: in Greek 'meteorizo'.

We stayed at a campsite for two days and made our excursions from here. In addition to climbing and visiting a monastery, we hiked to the former monk's prison (a very tall slit cave with several floors created inside, used as a prison) as well as to the 'Holy Spirit' (a rock formation with a view over the valley) and of course didn't miss any of the typical viewpoints. But hopefully the photos can capture more of the spectacular surroundings than I am able to describe.

Afterwards, we left Greece with a heavy heart heading north to reach Macedonia.