CHAPTER XIX.

Meteora--The extraordinary Character of its Scenery--Its Caves formerly the Resort of Ascetics--Barbarous Persecution of the Hermits--Their extraordinary Religious Observances--Singular Position of the Monasteries--The Monastery of Barlaam--The difficulty of reaching it--Ascent by a Windlass and Net, or by Ladders--Narrow Escape--Hospitable Reception by the Monks--The Agoumenos, or Abbot--His strict Fast--Description of the Monastery--The Church--Symbolism in the Greek Church--Respect for Antiquity--The Library--Determination of the Abbot not to sell any of the MSS.--The Refectory--Its Decorations--Aërial Descent--The Monastery of Hagios Stephanos--Its Carved Iconostasis--Beautiful View from the Monastery--Monastery of Agia Triada--Summary Justice at Triada--Monastery of Agia Roserea--Its Lady Occupants--Admission refused 279