Meteora, where faith reaches the clouds

Meteora, "Stairway to Heaven"

If someone hasn't visited Meteora it is hard to understand their beauty. It is a heavenly, unique
landscape, the visitor doesn't only admire it but he can also "feel" it, it is a mysterious geological
phenomenon.
According to the dominant theories of geologists, the huge stones of Meteora, were created from
river and limestone rocks which had been amassed for millions years, to form an undivided cone
into the sea, which used to cover the space which is occupied today by Thessaly .
The wild and unapproachable scenery of Meteora, became the "shelter" for Christian monks who
settled here around 1100 A.C. The monastic life in Meteora decayed after the decline of the
Byzantine empire and the Ottoman occupation of Thessaly in 1393. However, in the end of the
15th century and especially in the 16th century Meteora met their golden era, since new
monasteries were established, with catholics and monastic buildings decorated with marvelous
hagiography, an art of high aesthetics. The "monastic town" reached its peak around the 17th
century but in the 18th cent. Began its downfall.

Today, from the 24 monasteries, only 6 still operate. In 1988 they were included in the list
of UNESCO monuments of world heritage.
Kalambaka is the city, lying under the shadow of the rocks. Here someone will find many hotels,
restaurants, cafes and bars. In the old, well preserved town of Kalabaka you can visit the only
wood carving school of Greece. Also above Kalabaka, is a picturesque village, Kastraki , with
beautiful houses, mansions and narrow alleys. It is nice to have a walk there and admire Meteora.
Last but not least Meteora are ideal for climbing lovers of course due to their huge stones.
Meteora are 360 klm far from Athens and 230 klm from Thessaloniki. The fastest route is
Domokos-Karditsa -Trikala