Meteora
Faithful or not, when someone beholds the majestic rocks of Meteora, a divine presence that is automatically imposed. The enormous formations that loom over the northwestern part of Thessaly between Chasia and Pindos mountains, create a magnificent sight that everyone should live at least once in a lifetime.
Theories about the way these formations were created vary, but the most common says that rocks were formed of deposits of stone, sand and mud from streams flowing into a delta at the edge of a lake, over millions of years. About 60 million years ago during a series of earth movements pushed the seabed upward, creating a high plateau and causing many vertical fault lines in the thick layer of sandstone. The huge rock pillars were then formed by weathering by water, wind and extremes of temperature on the vertical faults.
The constant erosion due to the wind and the rain, as well as other geological alterations, caused these rocks, as the centuries passed, to take their present form. This wild and unapproachable landscape became the “house” of brave hermits that used to seek mental health and peace. According to some Byzantinists, the first eremites moved to the rocks at the end of the first millennium. Today, after many centuries, more than 2 million visitors become partakers of the magnificence of Meteora every year.
Things to do
Meteora is not only a place of religious devoutness and visit to the impressive Monasteries. The wild landscape with the extraordinary formation attracts thousands of nature and sports lovers, offering a number of adrenaline-boosting activities.
Rock Climbing
Climbing on the rocks of Meteora is a very old tradition. In the past, the residents of
the area turned to rugged rocks to protect themselves from the attacks of rascals and pirates. Later, eremites and monks approached the enormous rocks by climbing. Every year, more and more. Greek and international athletes visit this place, with schools and teams for a safer guidance.
Hiking, Mountain Biking and Rafting
Meteora area is a great all-year destination. Thanks to the natural wealth, professional and amateur athletes participate into a large number of activities, such as hiking, mountain cycling, descent of gorges and rocks, rafting and tubing, and many more. These activities can be organised by experienced experts through Visit Meteora.
The Town of Kalampaka – In the Shade of Meteora
The town of Kalampaka has a population of 12,000 citizens and is situated on the foothills of this extraordinary geological phenomenon, the giant cliffs of Meteora. It is the gate to the monastic complex, however, deserves a lot of attention on its own, as is not only charming, but also rich
in history and important monuments like the Byzantine Church and the Theopetra Cave.