The Holy Rocks of Meteora

Introduction

How could anyone describe this astonishing geological phenomenon, the breathtaking landscape, the inspiration and spirituality felt, the awe for man's achievements in an effort to express his religious drive, when these are only some of the many things a traveler experiences when visiting this phenomenal land! Take a moment to skim through our website and find out what Meteora is all about and let us, locals, convince you why you shouldn't miss out on a visit to this country's most site!

Brief History of Meteora

These immense, solid rocks, split by earthquakes, weathered by water and wind over millions of years, are nature's authentic masterpiece. Emerging about 25 million years ago as the elevated seabed material that was the outcome of strong tectonic movements, the Meteora rocks became a shelter of humankind. The first hermits arrived in this area to seek spiritual isolation and inhabited the caves of the rocks, with the sole aid of ropes and ladders. Common existential needs and strong religious faith compelled them to live united in the first monastic communities, their common drive of faith guiding them towards the unrepeated construction of monasteries of highest architectural and artistic value.

The 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which is today on display in their museums. The monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers.

Kalampaka Town

Kalampaka (also spelled Kalambaka) is a town of 12 000 citizens and is situated on the foot of the most extraordinary Meteora rocks. A big part of the daily life of the locals is centered on Tourism, hence the generous number of hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes. Kalampaka is at times underestimated as merely sharing the glory of the Meteora pinnacles that spectacularly rise at the near background. However, it is a town with a very rich and long history in itself.

A Greek inscription on the wall of one of the town's oldest churches (Saint John the Baptist) testifies the existence of an ancient Greek settlement under the name Eginio. Relics of an ancient Greek temple - probably of god Apollo - have been incorporated in the wall of the town's oldest and most renowned 10th century church, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Historical records refer to the town's Byzantine name as Stagi, when it had become a significant center of the Byzantine Empire.

Its modern name originates from the Turkish words "kale mpak" (prestigious castle), deriving from the days of the dominion of the Ottoman Empire. During the German Occupation of Greece, Kalampaka was burnt down by the German army in 1943 and then rebuilt.

Author's Suggestions

Don't miss out on the town's old picturesque district, with narrow cobble-stoned streets and traditional houses, some of them built right next to the rocks! Join a walking tour of the old town with a local guide, to discover the town's unique beauty and history! The Holy Rocks of Meteora await you!

If you want a complete spiritual experience, then visit the first online travel portal for Meteora!

Go to http://www.visitmeteora.travel and start planning your next trip today!

Article Source: Kostas_G_Chasiotis