LITERALLY EPIC

There are a few places in every country that are a must visit. Places that are inextricably linked to the country and are usually unique attractions.

ROCK’N’STILL

One such place is without a doubt Meteora for Greece. This was my third visit to the area and it will certainly not be my last.

The place is an incredible fusion of an unparalleled geological landscape and a remarkable testament to the power of religious faith.

BEAUTY’S IN THE AIR

On one of my visits, I came three different times in three days. At sunset, on a cloudy afternoon and during sunrise. Each time, the landscape is transformed and it is extremely difficult to get enough of the beauty you see all around you. Every bend hides a new perspective and every detail in the rocks reveals a small painting or the barest traces of a monastery that no longer exists.

The light is enchanting, either by its presence or its absence. I was unlucky not to catch a magical sunset and at sunrise there was not the slightest bit of sunlight on the rocks or the monasteries, but the landscape is so incredible and offers so many photographic opportunities that I would be ungrateful if I complained about anything. Except that, at sunrise, I was lucky enough to witness a live cloud invasion, which lasted only a few minutes. It was an awesome sight.

AS CLOSEST TO GOD AS YOU CAN GET

Especially at sunrise, I would advise it to be your first choice for a visit, since among other things you will have the pleasure of experiencing Meteora almost by yourself. I met a lone visitor, who wore a fluorescent vest in front of me, as if to help me in my shooting. It was unique on my third visit, at sunrise, not only for the cloud invasion, but also for the fact that sitting on the edge of a cliff and simply listening to the sounds of nature and the monastic chanting in the distance is an extraordinary experience and a balm for the soul.

The stunning scenery of Meteora is among the most magnificent locations on earth. Many people believe that this is the most remarkable sight in Greece; and that says a lot.

Some things to know:

• Meteora is one of the most popular rock-climbing sites in Greece, for obvious reasons.

• Meteora became a World Heritage Site in October of 1988.

• It may seem unreal, but rock pillars were formed about 60 million years ago. In reality, this region of Greece was the ocean floor. Sand and other sediments were progressively washed away from the tougher rocks by the water as it gradually evaporated, leaving behind several dozen enormous stone "fingers" that were 300 to 600 meters high, towering over the valley. Sandstone and conglomerate make up the majority of the rocks.

• The site is featured in the James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only”, “Tintin and the Golden Fleece” and “Game of Thrones” (the Eyrie of Vale of the House of Arryn is based on Meteora).

• One of the monasteries was the inspiration behind the computer games “Tomb Raider” and “Tomb Raider: Anniversary”. Also, the map “Sanctuary” of game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” is set in Meteora.

• Linkin Park’s album of 2003 takes its name from the site.

• All of the remaining monasteries are still in use today.

• Despite extraordinary challenges, twenty-four of these nearly inaccessible monasteries were constructed in the fifteenth century. It took about 70 years to construct some of them. Large nets were employed to drag up people and things, or long ladders were tied together to gain access to the monasteries, which were purposefully difficult to reach.

• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the oldest and biggest one of all.

• When inside the monasteries, your shoulders must be covered and you have to wear long pants or skirts.

In Meteora, anyone can use the term "epic" and not exaggerate.

Literally.

Just a note: this is my 100th post in my blog. I am very happy that I began posting again this year.