Pelorian vertical rocks. Sculptures created by prehistoric rivers, with famous monasteries perched on them.
The sight of the towering dark rocks is awe-inspiring. Nestled in their peaks and caves since the 11th century, are the monasteries of Meteora. With ropes, with nets or with their bare hands, the monks established a centuries-old tradition: climbing.
Today, climbers from all over the world come to Meteora to face the mysterious rocks. UNESCO has designated Meteora as a "Preserved and Protected Monument of Humanity". The Greek state as a "sacred place, immutable and inviolable". Add your own description to the "guest book" of the Meteors, which reach 2 million each year.
Discover the sights of Meteora
Be amazed by the "beastly" rocks of the ascetics
In Thessaly, the imposing rock complex rises above the Kalambaka, between Pindos and Antichasia. Monasticism here began in the 11th century, when ascetic monks left Mount Athos and came to Thessaly, to live ascetically in the caves of the huge rocks. In the 14th century, the holy Athanasios Meteoritis organized the first community, founding the monastery of Megalo Meteoros. Monks from other regions of Greece followed, founding a total of 20 monasteries.
Visit the living "floating" monasteries
Nowadays there are six living, prosperous and renovated monasteries in Meteora, which welcome the pilgrim in their mansion. They are of Agios Nikolaos Anapausas, the Transfiguration of the Savior or the Great Meteor, Varlaam, Roussanos, the Holy Trinity and Agios Stefanos. The rest are either renovated, but without monks, or in ruins.
Discover the ideal place for climbing enthusiasts
The climbing in Meteora never stopped. Monks and ascetics climbed their monasteries and hermitages with ropes, nets or with their bare hands. Climbing the rocks of Meteora continues today. It is a lifelong dream for many sports lovers who come from every corner of the earth.
Athletes enjoy classic climbing routes, i.e. long and without unnecessary belays. All are traditionally engraved from bottom to top. To the eyes of the uninitiated, they seem impossible, as several of them stand almost vertically at a height of half a kilometer.
Rafting and adventure in the legendary Meteora
Explore the rock-nestled Kastraki
It nestles between the rocks and is the most beautiful village in the area and a base for climbers. It has restaurants, small hotels and rooms for rent, as well as shops with tourist items. Palio Kastraki has been characterized as a traditional settlement.
Tour the traditional town, Kalambaka
The gateway city to Meteora. The commercial and tourist center of the area: here you will find many hotels, rooms for rent and taverns that will make your vacation dreamy. Stroll through the old town (Spotos), which has been restored. Visit the only Wood Carving School in Greece as well as traditional coppersmiths, where you will find rare handmade copper items.
The hidden treasures of Meteora
The multi-arched bridge of Sarakina
At a distance of about 8 kilometers from Kalambaka, in the direction of Trikala, you will find the historical community of Sarakina. There is the largest multi-arched stone bridge of the prefecture of Trikala, the famous six-arched bridge of Sarakina, which dates back to the 16th century. One of the most interesting sights of Meteora.
The prehistoric cave of Theopetra
Just 4 km outside of Kalambaka you will find an evocative setting, a cave-sight that will pique your interest. Inside the cave, a main hall of 500 sq.m. about. The limestone rock formation of Theopetra is placed in the upper Cretaceous period (137,000,000-65,000,000 years from today).
Unique landscapes for hiking and cycling
Walking in Meteora is particularly enjoyable and the landscapes are fascinating. You can do it in an organized way, with the help of the alternative tourism companies operating in the area. Another option is biking mountain.
Source : discovergreece.com
