A Matter of Scale

The monasteries of Meteora hide among the scattered rocks jutting up from central Greece. Below is the monastery of St. Nikolaos Anapfasas, framed at various distances. It is one of the lowest in Meteora, but still requires hundreds of steps to climb. The structures seem to grow from the rocks, taking their forms from the lines and limitations of their surroundings. Though they cling to the cliff, the inside is stable, buttressed with wood beams and stone walls. Most of the monasteries consist of a worship room, a place to hold wares, and some private quarters, in addition to hallways and staircases connecting the various levels. Before they were easily accessible by walkways and staircases, the monks would hoist their wares, and even themselves, up with ropes and nets. The modern pulley system can be seen in the last picture.