In the cloister of the monastery

The walk uphill wasn't as strenuous as it looked. There were a number of interesting looking shops and restaurants along the way. Instead of climbing straight-up to the monastery our path bent back on itself as it rose much like a fire escape along the side of the hill. At the entrance an attendent gave the women in our group veils to wear over their exposed arms. Inside the walls of the monastery it felt much like the medieval castle it so much resembled. I feel certain that some time during its history this monastery was confiscated by some conquering power that used it as a fort. It seemed inpregnable high atop the mountain.