A long ladder provided the only route to the top, which the monks drew up whenever threatened. As the original dwellings were inadequate due to the increasing number of monks larger and more impressive buildings were begun. The ladder was replaced by a net and rope operated via a windlass from an overhanging gantry. Visitors to the Great Monastery named from the Greek word “ high in the air ” were advised to pray as they made the nerve - wracking ascent. This precarious method has now been replaced by 115 steps.
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Nick/www.greece-priv…, on February 10, 2007, said:
A long ladder provided the only route to the top, which the monks drew up whenever threatened. As the original dwellings were inadequate due to the increasing number of monks larger and more impressive buildings were begun. The ladder was replaced by a net and rope operated via a windlass from an overhanging gantry. Visitors to the Great Monastery named from the Greek word “ high in the air ” were advised to pray as they made the nerve - wracking ascent. This precarious method has now been replaced by 115 steps.