Excursion to Meteora in Kalambaka: One of the most breathtaking sites on earth. This excursion will fascinate you, just by looking at the photos you will understand the unique experience you will seek. Meteora are monasteries built on huge rocks in the village of Kalambaka. You will certainly take incredible photos, as the view is unparalleled.
A rare geological phenomenon, Meteora (meaning ‘suspended in air’), is at the foot of the Pindos Mountains, 120 km from Ioannina. Rising from the plain is a group of rock pillars which were formed thousands of years ago with monasteries crowning the summit of these formidable pinnacles.
The monasteries represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most powerful examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of retreat, meditation, and prayer. Meteora is built under impossible conditions, with no possible roads and on rock pinnacles of deltaic origin which rise starkly over 400 m above the Peneas valley and the small town of Kalambaka. U.N.E.S.C.O has characterized the Holy Meteora as a “monument of Humanity that has to be maintained”.
Two of the six monasteries still follow the monastic regime, the other 4 are now museums and places of interest. The Great Meteor, The Varlaam, the Agios Nicolas Anapafsas Monastery and the Holy Trinity Monastery are administered by the monks while the Rousanou Monastery and the St. Stephen Monastery are administered by the nuns. “Roussanou” Monastery, one of the two nunneries and the “Great Meteoron” which is the largest and oldest monastery are the most popular. You can also visit the hagiography workshop where we will learn all the technologies the monks use to make the Icons.
INTERESTING FACT: The monastery of Holy Trinity was a filming location in the 1981 James Bond movie: ‘For Your Eyes Only’. The rock area was a primary inspiration behind the Linkin’ Park album of the same name.
After Meteora, take a walk in Kalambaka. Kalambaka is a city of rich history and important monuments. One of the greatest importance is the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary that is at the north-eastern part of the city under the very high rock of Aea. The ancient name of the city was Aeginion, this is how it is mentioned in the Hellenistic and Roman years because of the great importance of its position. At the beginning of the 10th century (901-907) Kalambaka of today is mentioned as Stagi, a name that is preserved until today as a Metropolitan title. At the north-eastern part of the city exists the picturesque neighborhood of Sopotos, under the rock of the Holy Trinity (east) and the rock of Alsos (north). In the city there are many small churches -country chapels of post Byzantine age. In fact, many of them have admirable hagiographies. Kalambaka is a place to visit various delicatessens, groceries, restaurants, dairies, sweet and pie shops as well as a nearby winery to taste the most traditional local flavors of Meteora. Taste homemade traditional spinach pie, bougatsa, herbs and spices, yogurt with honey and nuts, locally produced sausages and cheeses.
Extra tips:
- In the city center of Kalambaka you can find the Hellenic Culture Museum. The museum aims at the preservation, study, promotion and enhancement of Greek Education and its values and hopes to establish a strong collection between the visitor and the Greek letters and culture in a simple, experiential way and become a cultural center that provides education, learning and science.
- The region’s forests are famous for the quality of the truffles, these unique products of nature. You can visit the Museum of Natural History of Meteora and the Mushroom Museum.
- Sightseeing tour in this magnificent area and visit the Dragon’s Cave.
- Visit Meteora Planetarium. Located in the town of Kalambaka, includes a 3D projection room for the history and nature of Meteora. It is free of charge, you just need to make arrangements with them so that there are other people to see the show. It is a unique experience for everyone!
- Visit a nearby local family estate winery to learn about the local grape varietals.
