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Meteora Sanctuaries

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As the Balkans face increasing instability, the Despots of Thessaly patronize the construction of monastic complexes atop the inaccessible sandstone pillars of Meteora. These 'monasteries in the sky' serve a dual purpose: They function as spiritual beacons for the Orthodox faith and as high-altitude treasuries where the state's wealth and holy relics can be protected from marauding mercenaries. By centralizing the spiritual authority of the region in such defensible positions, the Despotate ensures that the local identity remains anchored in Orthodoxy even when the central government is under duress.

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