Holidays to Kalambaka and Meteora

Located in Thessaly, central Greece, and near the town of Kalambaka and the Pindus Mountains, these rocks and caves have been inhabited for some 50,000 years. The famous cave of Theopatra was constructed 23,000 years ago during the ice age. In the 9th century AD, hermit monks lived in isolation on these ancient pinnacles, inhabiting hollows and fissures.

However, the monasteries were not built until the 14th century. Initially there were 24 but now only 6 remain, each occupied by 10 or so monks. Access to the monasteries was by rope ladders or windlass which were simply drawn up when the occupants were threatened by invaders or unwanted visitors. Nowadays access is easier and two million visitors a year come to the area to marvel at the 550 metre high rock towers.