The flying monastery, a photo from Trikala, Thessaly

Photographer's Note

This is Varlaam Monastery, one of the 6 still "active" monasteries of Meteora. Once upon a time there were 24 monasteries in this exciting region. The first one who climbed this rock, was an anchorite, named Varlaam around 1350 (that's where the name of the monastery comes from), who built a small church. After his death, the rock remained uninhabited for more than a century.

In the beggining of the 16th century, two brothers, Nektarios and Theofanis climbed the rock. In 1518 they started reconstructing the church that Varlaam had built, and also built two more churchs. With the help of other monks that later climbed the rock they built the monastic "complex" that you can see in the photo and covers almost the whole surface of the rock.

A small bridge (you can see in the left part of the photo) and stairs carved to the rock, around 1930, made the access to this majestic monastery, nowadays, very easy.

Photo taken from the garden of Great Meteoron monastery.

*MORE PHOTOS FROM METEORA AND TRIKALA PREFECTURE*

avene, isabela_sor, jafadabret, dareco, vasilpro, angie-barcelona, edytungkal, siolaw, npecanhuk, asajernigan, Gerrit, ymrk, jaywalker, yaya13baut, bema, Royaldevon, g_panakia, jean11-3, berek, azaf1, dip, suzzz, Bruno40, Hellas, ManuMay, syrus_persia, Budapestman, carper, ellelloo, atha2pan, aristo, ciakgiak, Wanda1, ChrisJ, oana79, aimiliospet, Emile, COSTANTINO, adramad, chrkont, blueaquan, Suppiluliuma, selay22 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Ultrablue (565) 2009-04-07 8:26

Another impressive shot! What I can say?...Simply Beautiful.

Regards

Elena

isabela_sor (47265) 2009-04-07 8:26 [Comment]

Show Comment

claudeD (24201) 2009-04-07 8:26

Hello Hercules,

I think an amazing picture with a perfect composition and much atmosphere.I like the vertical format of the picture and especially the dust or fog around the rock.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

Jean-Claude

avene (12671) 2009-04-07 8:27

hello Hercules,
there are hundreds of photos from this place, so to stand out you really have to have something very special. and you do, no question about that, the fog creates an impression that the rock is floating in the sea of mist, like some ancient ship. the red roofs of the monastery add a great colour accent, I like that a lot. superb work, my compliments.

best,
Kristine

sacavem (18578) 2009-04-07 8:37

Olá Hercules,

Amazing the mist effect. Nice landscape and colors . Good work to capture this beautiful image.
TFS............
Filipe

sunamoon (6293) 2009-04-07 8:41

Hola Hercules!!!

Impresionante, esta zona que vi otras fotos que publicaste, debe ser un lugar increible, sobre todo la niebla da un poco de misterio, tu encuadre! el color y la definición optima!!
Felicidades!

Saludos,
Elena

patmor (576) 2009-04-07 8:41

Bonjour Hercules,

Tres impressionnant........
Merci du partage.
Patrice

dareco (17134) 2009-04-07 8:41

A breathtaking view!!! The fog adds great mood. Very good color and detail. OH! I want to see this place someday!!!! TFS

angie-barcelona (2784) 2009-04-07 8:45

Hola Hercules!

impresionante ese paisaje, la nieve y la niebla son un acierto. Bien escogido el momento! Me recuerda (salvando las distancias) al monasterio del libro del nombre de la rosa, sabes cuál digo???

Un abrazo,

Gemma

jafadabret (56497) 2009-04-07 8:45

Kalispera Hercule.
La neige et la brume ajoutent encore du charme et de la magie à cette vue de ce monastère si singulier. Ce site est fascinant et sa visite marque les esprits. Belle réalisation de cette photo qui fait penser à une vue aérienne !
Jacques

vasilpro (40194) 2009-04-07 8:45

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Η συνθήκες και η ματιά σου δημιούργησαν μια τέλεια άποψη του βράχου των Μετεώρων με το μοναστήρι όντως να φαίνεται ότι αιωρείται.
Συγχαρητήρια, Βασίλης.

mkamionka (24583) 2009-04-07 8:52

Hi Hercules,
very interesting shot.
The fog creates unusual atmosphere around the place.
Very well captured,
M

barrufeto_77 (28876) 2009-04-07 8:53

Vete al cuerno. Vete al carajo. A ver cuando leches yo hago así así hahahahaha.

qué pedazo de envidia tio!

Un saludo

Herquin (6875) 2009-04-07 8:58

Bonjour Hercules,

je plains le mec qui a oublié d'éteindre les phares de sa voiture stationnée tout en bas .

Bonne soirée .
Christian .

rhamza (116) 2009-04-07 9:00

Excellent photo. I like it very much! It is heavenly.
Rashid

edytungkal (4551) 2009-04-07 9:00

I'm agree you just showed an amazing place from the best point of view, one of your best from the series...
Nothing could be better, congratulation Hercules and thanks for the shot....

daniel

siolaw (37568) 2009-04-07 9:05

Hi Hercules.
I use to go there in the 60'sand 70's but i never saw it with snow around... It looks really beautiful with this mist, making it seem to fly, as the title suggests... I like the colors andtextures here a lot!
Se xereto
Laurent

npecanhuk (53919) 2009-04-07 9:22

Hi Hercules!
That's another wonderful high pov and magnificent composition of that awesome greek spot! One of your best pictures (among many great ones, of course!).
Best regards,
Neyvan

delkoo (68) 2009-04-07 9:28

hi hercules
i am under charm of your series of Meteora, this is truly exceptional, the subject, the mist, the POV and colors all combine to make a masterpiece.

ta leme
didier

Yves-triga (5106) 2009-04-07 9:31

Hello Hercules,
very nice view.
If i see,it's not esay to go there,or with a plane !!!
Good composition.
a nice pov.
tfs.
friendly
Yves

asajernigan (19669) 2009-04-07 9:39

Hercules,
Wow, this place is unbelievable. Your composition is great with the fog/clouds filling the valley so that the monastery seems to be suspended in the air. The lighting and colors are great with excellent sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

Gerrit (43743) 2009-04-07 9:47

Hi Hercules,
you have saved the best one for now I see. Spectacular place and view. I guiss those monks don't have to go down for the groceries.
Regards, Gerrit

ymrk (14929) 2009-04-07 10:00

Kalimerhaba Hercules,
An amazing landscape,Hercules...Beautiful sharpness with details in here...
Have a nice day,dear friend!

Yağmur

jaywalker (16061) 2009-04-07 10:22

Hi Hercules, An amazing picture brilliantly captured, the high POV is excellent & really shows the pracearious position of the building, the light is very good indeed & the rising mist creates a great atmosphere, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

yaya13baut (3344) 2009-04-07 10:33

hi Hercules,
impressive view, helped by the presence of the mist at the bottom of the rock.
It must be a peaceful place for the monks to pray in tranquillity, except when the number of tourists is becoming excessive.
Your photo made me think at the film of Hayao Miyazaki, the famous japanese master of cartoons called "the castle in the sky".
regards,
Yannis

mesutilgim (68036) 2009-04-07 10:35

Hi dear Hercules, my dear friend
İt's not only a simple photography; it's a divinal capture !
Great pov and amazing capture, speacially with the wintery fog coming from the valley up to the monastery.
Another perfect entry !
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

bema (25936) 2009-04-07 10:40

Geia sou Hercules, file mou.

poli kala fotografia...

Jassu Bernd

sayeed_rahman (5985) 2009-04-07 10:47

If there is ever a reason why i should visit Greece or even my enemies...competitors..detractors...my parole officer...it would be Hercules Milas (Cretense)(45307)

There i have said it..i havvent been active for a long time..but you still take time out to make great images..

Pleasure !

Sayeed

jemaflor (69035) 2009-04-07 10:53

Hi hercules,
great pov and very interesting result with this misty atmopshere, congratulations.

jasmis (57596) 2009-04-07 11:11

Absolutely marvellous view. Something mystic and beautiful.
Regards.

TGULUMSER (13252) 2009-04-07 11:12

Hello Hercules,
A dreamy view, amazing. Meteora looks magnificent in winter time among the clouds,
Best regards,
Tulay

Longroute (19390) 2009-04-07 11:12

With your photos the superlatives are a must!
As we say: one better than the other!
Meteora emerging from the cloud is really great! Never seen before. Again my best compliments,
Donato

leo61 (0) 2009-04-07 11:16

Hi Hercules!
One of the best shots I`ve seen from this interesting place.
Great POV and a fantastic view at this unique rock,surrounded by the clouds.
A great shot!!!
Regards,leo

goutero (830) 2009-04-07 11:19

Unbelievable place to build monasteries

Royaldevon (17811) 2009-04-07 11:33

Hello Hercules,

What an amazing place!
The rock appears to be emerging from the very depths of the Earth, with the swirling mist, the smoke from the fuel!
Superb details of texture and colour!
The orientation, diagonally across the frame makes the composition more interesting.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

gilou530 (34) 2009-04-07 12:15

salut hercules
celle ci est vraiment top avec ce POV en plongée et cette brume qui occupe le premier plan tu as bien saturé les couleurs et cette neige sur les toits rouges est de plus bel effet
amitiés
gilbert

g_panakia (4031) 2009-04-07 12:32

kalispera irakli,
apla E K P L H K T I K H!
sygxarhthria
filika
georgia

jean11-3 (2799) 2009-04-07 12:39

Hello Hercules,the low cloud adds an air of mystery to the scene.It was certainly an amazing achievement building this 'complex' on this great lump of rock!
The details are very clear, and alongside your notes we are able to make sense of the different buildings.
Tfs, regards Jean.

CLODO (24734) 2009-04-07 13:09

Hi Hercules
Unusual pictures of Meteora, so I like your shot because it reveals a photograph mind and eye: YOU
regards
CLODO

coco (30433) 2009-04-07 13:15

Kalispera Hercules.

Foto que... esta es una foto que corta la respiración.
Sin duda el punto de vista elevado favorece mucho a la foto.

Un saludo.

black44 (474) 2009-04-07 13:43

hola Cretense

vaya pero este lugar existe, parece sacado de un cuento.

Una foto fantastica, acaso flotabas para poder sacarla.

Verdaderamente me gusta mucho.

Un saludo Antonio

jlinaresp (86) 2009-04-07 13:46

Saludos Hercules,

Soberbia foto!... excelente trabajo, un paisaje que transmite magia.
Gracias,
Jesús

Morac (27419) 2009-04-07 14:45

Bonsoir Hercules,

Et quand les moines deviennent des anges et se promènent au dessus des nuages : c'est d'une beauté extraordinaire.
Amicalement
Marc

berek (31925) 2009-04-07 20:23

Hi Hercules,
incredible view your beautiful country. I like your bird eyes taken and lovely atmosphere. I should come here as soon as possible. thanks for sharing.
Best wishes.
Burak

bostankorkulugu (40796) 2009-04-07 21:00

this is one of the most striking meteora shots i ve ever seen... i respect these people who had built those monasteries up on the rocks... looks so divine indeed giritli mou...

see you SOOOON...

bstn

manada (6239) 2009-04-07 21:48

Geia sou file mou
expectacular image, really great!
But.... you were on clouds?

dip (21921) 2009-04-07 23:22

Geia sou Irakli,
vrethikes tin katalili stigmi sto sosto meros,ki'epeidi katexeis to'athlima' mas parousiazeis auto to fantastiko apotelesma!
katapliktiki!!!
Xaireto,
Dimitris.

suzzz (399) 2009-04-07 23:57

wow wowwonderful! don't know what to say,,,! this is like one of the mystic dreams we have sometimes ! unreal, unbelievable, incredible! technically speaking am speachless...

thank you so much for sharing The flying monastery, am definitely flying there one day! soon

cheers and regards...

Bruno40 (6658) 2009-04-08 0:43

Holy Cow!!
Que foto mas espectacular... debo ir a este sitio!!
se va directo a mi tema!
saludos
Jorge

Pascale (10456) 2009-04-08 1:31

Bonjour hercules
Impressionnant l'effet du brouillard ,cela donne une ambiance pleine de mystère à ce monastère perché sur son éperon rocheux .Superbe point de vue et quelles belles couleurs .J'aime aussi le contrastes entre les toits colorés et la neige .Splendide photo
Amitiés
Pascale

kdialyna (3148) 2009-04-08 1:42

Εντυπωσιακά μοναδική λήψη.
Ο τίτλος της ταιριάζει "γάντι".
Κώστας

azaf1 (15929) 2009-04-08 1:50

Geia sou Irakli

An to eixa prosexei den tha tin anevaza :)
Afti edo einai alithino poiima, mia stigmi monadiki kai me xioni kai me tin sinefeia pou tis dinei ena aerino kai sinama oneiriko ifos. Nasai kala file kai na megalourgeis me ton fako sou kai tin evaisthiti matia sou.

Panta tetoia!
Argiris

Hellas (6505) 2009-04-08 2:26

Η άγρια φυσική ομορφιά του συγκεκριμένου τόπου, συνάντησε την ανθρώπινη τέχνη και ευρηματικότητα. Η τάση για απομόνωση και πνευματική εξύψωση, ήσαν τα θεμέλια μιας ξεχωριστής δημιουργίας.
Η φωτογραφία σου ξεχωρίζει για την απλότητα στην επεξεργασία.
Η έντονη επεξεργασία μοιάζει με το μακιγιάζ γυναίκας που θέλει να κρύψει ατέλειες, να γίνει ελκυστική στους ξένους.
Αν και το μοναστήρι ανδρικό, το σκηνικό θυμίζει γυναίκα που μόλις ξυπνάει και ξεσκεπάζεται!
Η χρονική στιγμή και το σημείο της λήψης έπαιξαν καταλυτικό ρόλο στην σύνθεση και την απόδοση του θέματος.

Συγχαρητήρια!

Greg1949 (9011) 2009-04-08 3:12

Hercules, this is certainly a shot from someone that was in the right place at the right time, it is wonderful. Color and detail are awesome but the fog and snow make it magical, great capture.

Greg

ManuMay (33361) 2009-04-08 3:18

Amigo Hercules!!

Una superfoto, imágenes como esta no hacen más que aumentar la leyenda y la historia del monaterio, parece que has captado parte de su mágico misterio con esta vista, preciosa, en que parece estar (y realmente está) en las nubes, como apartado de este mundo.

Los colores maravillosos y la suerte de encontrarlo nevado, que acentúa el contraste de color, ya veo que utilizaste el filtro polarizador...ayer compré uno!! Y aún estoy de pruebas... espero poder enseñaros pronto algunos resultados dignos de esta página...y de vuestros ojos!!

Recibe un cordial saludo...

Manuel

syrus_persia (2270) 2009-04-08 3:27

Salam doste man Hercules
WOW
Wonderful landscape and lighting. A very nice composition . Beautiful fog and colours. TFS and have nice day!
Fine. Congratulations
Regards
mamnooooooon
cyrus

Budapestman (82620) 2009-04-08 4:39

Hi Hercules,
What a great shot. Not worthy to detail the photo...the sight speaks for itself.
I remember this wonderful place, I had been here in 1992... I was sitting only and I gazed at the wonderful view.
Great, great, great shot.Have a nice day!
George

Graal (88982) 2009-04-08 6:12

Hi Herules.
Fantastic view from Meteora. Friends all told You. Taken to my favorite.
Greetings. Aleksander

albertojr (738) 2009-04-08 7:50

Breathtaking vantage point, the mist is like an icing in a cake. excellent shot.

carper (96) 2009-04-08 7:56

fantastic photo Hercules,
great shot of this nice place, the atmosphere is fantastic, the pov is good and Yes I like it a lot, have a good evening my friend.
regard jaap

ellelloo (6570) 2009-04-08 8:01

Hello Hercules,
A stunning photo of an amazing place! You have had a wonderful POV indeed. The monastery appearing in the midst of the fog gives a mystical atmosphere. Congratulations!
Greetings,
Lasse

kiks (11389) 2009-04-08 10:17

Very cool this image. THe mist below the cliffs give indeed the idea that the manastery is flying. Fantastic HErcules.
Best regards
KIKS

atha2pan (3807) 2009-04-08 10:32

Oti eixa na po, to ipan oi alloi.
Bravo mastora!
Ypoklinimai!
Sakis

aristo (3210) 2009-04-08 10:38

Geia sou Irakli!
Outstanding photo!Absolut fabelous!
Your great composition show as how great and fantastic photographer you are.Compliments!
Once again amazing landscape file.
Sigxaritiria,
arek

totoamoto (2519) 2009-04-08 12:51

Salut Hercules
Quel lieu magique..
Les nuages apportent une ambiance incroyable
Bravo

Cyril

stelli (2991) 2009-04-08 14:00

All of these monasteries look like they are flying!!! Great colors and excellent colors! Thank you for sharing! ΦΙΛΙΚΑ Στέλλα

mursaloglu (8047) 2009-04-08 14:39

wow my dear herakli
I dont have any word but it is a amazing masterpiece with fantastic details and truly stunning colors. Great breathtaking picture my friend bravo for 1000 times ihsan

ciakgiak (30331) 2009-04-08 15:16

Hello Hercules,
no words for a similar masterpiece, hats off!
My best congratulations, it's really fantastic!
I'm very happy for you, bravissimo.
Best regards my dear friend.
Giorgio

isa (1974) 2009-04-08 15:23

Hi Hercules!
Wonderful perspective, interesting pov and dof.
Lovely and misticy place.
Congratulations
Best Regards,
Isa

Wanda1 (13950) 2009-04-08 21:39

Hi Hercules,
I can not believe this amazing place it is absolutely breathtaking! and what a great point of view you had. I absolutely love the way the rock formation rises up from out of the mist with the monastary perched so high on top and the snow beyond is a great element too. I like the colours with everything blending into nature except for the spots of orange roof here and there. Spectacular!
Regards
Wanda

ChrisJ (86932) 2009-04-08 22:52

Hi Hercules

The fog adds a mysterious mood & atmosphere. Superb diffused light, & good choice of a vertical format. Tfs!

cigdom (2574) 2009-04-09 0:35

Hi Hercules
What a splendid shot! This photo is like a film scene. Really, I love it!Great atmosphere and composition!
Best Regards..

Cigdem

oana79 (128) 2009-04-09 3:37

Kalimera Hercules,

I don't know if you planned your trip to Meteora for the wintertime, but your timing was more than perfect:)
Breathtaking POV, wonderful colours...adding the snow and the fog...just great!

All the best,
Oana

Emile (20348) 2009-04-09 12:55

Hola Hércules.
Impresionante fotografía con la presencia del monasterio en el tope de la montana rocosa rodeada de neblina y con las montanas detrás cubiertas por la nieve. Un POV y composición excelentes. Los colores y detalles así como la definición son estupendas. Felicitaciones.
Un fuerte abrazo desde las montanas de Polo pasando la Semana Santa.

Glint (5575) 2009-04-09 12:58

Hello Hercules,
Oh my goodness! what a place and what a splendid photograph! You have perfectly captured this magical place made more magical by its ability to seemingly fly! I see that you have already 144 points for this, each one very much deserved.
regards,
Bev

AnaRita (1741) 2009-04-11 3:11

Olá Hercules!
Amazing view, this is really stunning...
Thank you so much for sharing,
Ana

COSTANTINO (42746) 2009-04-12 13:06

Gia sou file Irakli
Theoro oti i sigekrimeni fotografia ine mia apo tis kaliteres sou gia na min po i kaliteri
Prototipia stin paroussiassi,omorma hromata
ke to monastiri na xeprovali messa apo tin omihli..Apo tis kaliteres fotografies sto T.e.
Costantino

adramad (27556) 2009-04-13 12:43

Hola Hercules.
Que magnifica captura, el monasterio parece flotar junto con el promontorio rocoso, estupendos colores que contrastan con la nieve, gracias por mostrarnos tan precioso lugar con una fotografia tan magnifica.
Un saludo.
Luis.

Angshu (51174) 2009-04-14 4:32

Hello Hercules
A superb shot from the gardens of the Meteoron monastery...full of mystery thanks to the clouds, out of which the steep cliff risies high holding the monastery on it's 'head'...and beyond that there's this snow cover. The red of the roof gets highlighted amidst all these light colours. Surely one of the most striking Meteora shots I've ever seen! Nothing much to say but admire!
Regards
Angshu

racheltafoya (509) 2009-04-15 15:09

Greetings Hercules,

This is quite a shot of a miraculous place. I love the textures in the rock. In fact, the rock and monastery in the mist appear to have been placed there by some giant hand, amongst a forested scene. Even the vegetation is different in the surrounding area. Fascinating!

Tasteful composition and POV emphasizing the rock and making it appear to just forward into our space.

Hearty congratulations, and best regards from California :)

Rachel

sagar (2410) 2009-04-16 11:28

Hi Hercules,
This is just amazing. There's a supernatural seel in this photo, that the mist rising from below creates...and thats the masterpiece in this shot.
Regards,
Sagarneel.

chrkont (4005) 2009-04-18 9:32

Γεια σου Ηρακλή
Κάποτε αναρωτιόμουν γιατί τα Μετέωρα λέγαν ότι "αιωρούνται" μεταξύ γης και ουρανού. Μόνο οι φωτογραφίες σου μου έλυσαν την απορία. Όπως πάντα εντυπωσιακή η ματιά σου.
Χρόνια πολλά και καλή Ανάσταση
Χρήστος

tober (8748) 2009-04-18 9:56

Just noticed this by chance and I am speechless in front of this magnificiant view. Such a photo does not necessitate any further comment. My hat's off !

Best regards, Tolga

azizbilgili (2111) 2009-04-22 5:11

Wow...
Hi Hercules,
Realy Amazing the mist effect. Nice landscape and colors . Good work to capture this beautiful image.

TFS

BurhanettinMasa (641) 2009-05-07 11:26

Hi Hercules,
I saw a Meteora photo today and search where it was and I come across with a superb photo of yours ...

Regards,
Burhan

TopGeo (37994) 2009-05-30 10:34

Γειά σου Ηρακλή!
Μου είχε διαφύγει αυτή!(ίσως λόγω εορτών)
Υπάρχει μία ατμόσφαιρα που κάνει την εικόνα μυστηριακή απόκοσμη, αλλά πολύ οικεία και ονειρική η εικόνα των Μετεόρων που είναι σαν να ενώνει το θείο με το γήινο κόσμο!
Νασαι καλά
Γεώργιος

devimeuxbe (58557) 2009-08-03 3:22

Hi Hercules
very very impressive picture. The perspective you get here is amazing
i like this picture so much
Bertrand

Suppiluliuma (3843) 2010-11-10 22:35

It is a delight to see Meteora under the snow -and mist-, the view is fantastic.

I would love to see in its full format...

TFS.

HakanGunes (90) 2010-11-10 22:57

Amazing picture and perfect composition...

selay22 (254) 2011-03-02 5:18

wow
talk about mystery
drama
depth
special effects with the fog
and an absolutely amazing subject

TFS

Selay

lilito (3448) 2011-03-17 4:52

Bonjour!
Aujourd'hui je suis tombé sur cette magique image un peu par hasard, et heureusement! Parce qu'elle est vraiment magnifique, félicitations!
Lily