Meteora
Meteora is one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Situated over the town of Kalampaka, is one of the most imposing sights in Greece and a must-see for everyone visiting the country. Sandstone steep rocks, rising over 400 metres above the ground, were formed about 60 million years ago, as a result of a fluvial erosion, earthquakes and geological changes that followed over the centuries, and created this rare natural phenomenon and landscape.
The area of Meteora was initially inhabited by monks who lived in caves within the rocks during the 11th century. In the late 12th century, a small church called the Panaghia Doupiani was built at the foot of one of the rocks, but during the Turkish occupation it became less secure so the monks climbed higher and higher up the rocks to protect themselves from different conquerors. Numerous monasteries were systematically built on top of the rocks so by the end of the 15th century there were 24 constructed in total; today only 6 of them are still active. The monks had to climb up ladders or use baskets and ropes to transfer the material for the construction of these monasteries and until 1920 this was the only means for getting supplies.
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One of the top things to do in Meteora is to visit the impressive monasteries perched atop rocky boulders with seemingly no easy access to the top.
The best way to explore Metéora is on foot, hiking from monastery to monastery. This allows you to really immerse yourself in the scenery and experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kalabaka (also spelled Kalambaka or Kalampaka) town has a population of 12,000 citizens and is situated on the foothills of an extraordinary geological phenomenon, the giant cliffs of Meteora.