St Stephen Monastery, Meteora

This is the other monastery that is now a convent. It was first inhabited by ascetic monks in the 12th century. Building the monastery began in the 14th century and continued through the 16th and reaching it's final, current form and n the 19th century.
This site is the most easily reached of all the Meteora monasteries. It is at the southern edge of the many monasteries and is at an elevation similar to the nearby. So it can be reached by crossing a short bridge instead of climbing stairs. Much of the place is reconstructed as it was heavily damaged during world war 2 and the Greek civil war. It remained abandoned until 1961 when the sisters began to move in and restore the buildings.
The 1st picture looks across to the monastery. Unfortunately, it's taken into the sun so it's hard to see. The 2nd picture is in the first courtyard after entering. The 3rd is of the cloister. The 4th and 5th pictures are of the extensive gardens maintained by the sisters overlooking the cliffs.
The last picture is over the door at the entrance to the church which is the subject if another post.Read more