Ancient Greek Myths: Meteora, a magic legendary place in Greece
Welcome to #Meteora, this #magic place of central #Greece. An incredible geographical setting, unique in the whole #world!
If I tell you that #magical #places really exist, would you believe me? What are these magical places? Where can be found and how do they look like? Do they have a #special #beauty and rare #charm? Are they #sacred places?
Music included in this video:
The prayer of Achilles (Erasmian pronunciation)
Roni iron - The prayer of Achilles
E genee pase - Sofia Manou (Byzantine hymn)
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The ancient #Greeks were known for their #culture, arts and high-level #literature and texts they wrote: #Myths, #tragedies, #legends and #travel guides. But no one mentions the magical place that is now called Meteora. No #mythical #creatures are associated with this #miracle of nature. There are no ancient Gods and #secret events that have been recorded in this #divine location… As if it never existed!
In today's episode we will try to learn some of the well hidden secrets and #traditions of Meteora, a wonderful place in the Greek #land of #Thessaly.
Meteora is a complex of huge dark rocks that rise outside the city of #Kalambaka, near the #Pindos mountain range. These rocks look like they are floating in the air or hanging from the sky, which is alike the landscape from the #sci-fi #movie #Avatar. #Orthodox #monasteries are built on the top of some rocks, which are today the second most important monastic complex in Greece, after Mount #Athos. Of the thirty monasteries that have existed historically, today only six are in operation and which since 1988 are included in the list of #UNESCO World #Heritage Sites.
In 1981, James #Bond's #film "For your eyes only" starring Roger Moore was shot in Meteora.
The soil in the rocks is similar to those found in river deltas and lakes. Scientists therefore assume that the plain of Meteora has been covered by water for centuries, a fact that feeds various #scenarios and conjectures.
In the cave of #Theopetra, 3 km south of Kalampaka, were unearthed findings from the Paleolithic era (50,000 BC) to the #Neolithic one, in 4000 BC. An important discovery was made here: a wall built 23,000 years ago, which means it is the oldest known man-made structure.
The wild and inaccessible landscape was a suitable shelter for the #Christian #ascetics who settled in the area in a date that is not exactly known. The first monasteries are believed to have been founded between the 10th and 12th centuries AD.
For hundreds of years the traditional method of communication and supplying the monasteries was through escalators, ropes, pulleys and baskets. In the 1920s, ladders and tunnels were carved into the rocks, making the monasteries accessible from the neighboring plateau, and so the old system was gradually abandoned.
The visitor's feelings can not be easily described in words. The view of the rocks is #captivating. Man's selfishness and the great importance he gives to his life are nullified here. One feels the existence of a higher power. The human #spirit is exalted and all worldly things seem superfluous. #Dragons, ghosts, #fairies, #vampires and myths have no place here. Meteora is a magical place in its own simplicity and authenticity. Through the union of earth with heaven and thanks to the deep and endless #power of #faith.
The most important monasteries to visit are the Holy Monastery of #Rousanos, the monastery of the #Transfiguration of the #Savior, also known as the "Great #Meteor", on the highest rock. The Holy Monastery of #Barlaam, the Holy Monastery of the Holy #Trinity and the female Holy Monastery of Agios #Stefanos.
Meteora is a protected habitat of the #Natura 2000 network and is a popular #climbing #destination.
In Kalampaka and the #traditional #village of #Kastraki you will enjoy the unique experience of Greek #hospitality in #hotels and #guesthouses, while the flavors of Greek #cuisine in #restaurants and #taverns will drive you crazy.
Set yourself free and get ready to be #surprised! In the wonderful world of Meteora there is so much energy that your batteries will be fully charged. And you will breathe #free, without stress, sorrows and thoughts.
#Paradise on earth has a name and is located in Greece.
#travelguide #visitgreece