Rock Hopping Monks

Beginning in the 1500’s Greek men built monasteries in the mountains of rock near Meteora. First were hermits living in natural caves on these vertical columns of conglomerate rock, but before long others built structures on the tops.  

 First the brothers built a lift to bring building materials, then built a church, then living quarters. 

  This is the lift.  

Inside are icons and paintings telling the story of Jesus in great detail (no photography allowed in the old church, this is just outside).  

  The water used to come by rainwater collection into this unusual barrel.  

 I can only imagine how quiet the mountaintops are when the tourists leave.