In the
prefecture of Trikala and within 20 km from Trikala and Kalambaka, rise proudly the majestic rocky cliffs of the Holy
Meteora, full of fossil shells, revealing a
unique geological phenomenon. It is the second most
important monastery complex after Mount Athos in
Greece. The geographical region of Thessaly, in the past, was a vast lake. According to tradition,
a great earthquake divided the mountains in two and between Olympus and Kissavos Mountains formed a passage to Tempe. The water spilled into the sea and Thessaly turned into a plain.
According to geologists, the rocks of Meteora were created by a large mass of river stones, sand and mud that came together to form a single cone.
When later, the waters of the Thessalian lake poured in the Aegean; this single volume was divided because the corrosive action of water, winds, rains and the speed of seismic vibrations, formed hills and rocks in various shapes and sizes.
In these peaks, around 1100 AD., arrived the first ascetics.
Climbed and nesting as birds in the caves and hollows of the rocks came in search of isolation with prayers and fasts looking for their mental integrity and redemption.
The rocks are between earth and sky. Those who had the patience to count them found that more than one thousand.
In the 14th century, Saint Athanasius Meteorite, formed the first organized
monastic community with regulations, organized according to typical organized monasteries of Mount Athos.
The location and the monasteries cause undefined feelings.
The wild environment, the warm closeness of the monasteries and intense emotions are overwhelming, taking you away from everyday life. It is the deal place for the range of "in Christ life".
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Kalambaka is a scenic town, yet modern, to show visitors many beautiful places. It is the capital town of the district and occupies the northern part of the prefecture of Trikala and the northwestern tip of the Thessaly plain. It is situated at the foothills of
Meteora rocks and near the left bank of Peneus river. In the northeastern part of the town is the picturesque district of Sopotou under the shadow of the rock of the Holy Trinity and the rock of Altsou.
In the town there are many small churches, chapels of post-Byzantine era, with several valuable paintings.
The haven area is Meteora. The Meteora rocks rise above Kalambaka and the eerie beauty attract thousands of visitors arriving in the region around the world throughout the year to see and admire this rare and spectacular phenomenon.
In Kalambaka you will find numerous restaurants and places to enjoy your coffee and nightclubs for your drink.
Having Kalambaka as a starting point, visitors have the unique opportunity to visit beautiful places of the surrounding areas like gorgeous
Pertouli and the picturesque villages of the Aspropotamos, Plastiras Lake and the town of Metsovo.