The Monastery of St. Stephen originated in the 12th Century A.D. It was eventually abandoned but after World War II a group of Orthodox nuns asked permission to restore and live in the monastery.
(A note: The term "monastery" as applied to both male and female religious orders. I am not sure if that is a failure of translation or just the way it is in Greek).
The sisters have a beautiful series of gardens within its walls.
Looking down towards Kalambaka and the plains of Thessaly:
The gardens really were enchanting:
I've always thought the word 'monastery' referred to a secluded (mono suffix) existence for religious reflection. Man or woman, it didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteThat location appears to be very well maintained - very attractive.
It may be an English language thing - I would traditionally use the word "convent" for female religious orders (or I suppose even more "traditionally", a nunnery).
DeleteThe grounds were very well maintained. The Brothers and Sisters take good care of the places they live.
It's a good thing monasteries came before we desired scenic locations to build our houses. Any monastery built today would be built cheek to jowl with neighbors desiring the same view and probably griping about the noise.
ReplyDeleteThe difference of technology, Ed. Locations like this only became readily accessible to the "modern" world when we could drive up to them (along with the utilities, of course). Were we to be in a position where there was no roads, I suspect there would be much less development (and much more solitude for the religious orders).
DeleteEnchanting indeed. I couldn't think of a better place for prayer and meditation. The architecture is lovely too.
ReplyDeleteIt does make one wonder what it would have been like when the silence that permeates the evenings and night was present all day.
DeleteMost of the monasteries and churches we saw were all in excellent condition. They are well cared for.