At the very foot of the magnificent cliffs, called the Meteors, lies the equally attractive city of Kalambaka. Every year, many tourists flock here from all over the world to see for themselves an undeniable miracle - unique monasteries that rise above this settlement and are monuments of the Middle Ages.
In the article we will talk more about the small but picturesque town of Greece - Kalambaka, which has an interesting history and rich architecture.
Monuments telling a story
Not far from this city, the river called Pignos, known from the history of Greece, carries its quiet waters. And the town itself is mentioned in ancient manuscripts dating from the second century BC. Almost completely destroyed by the Romans, it again revived from ruins and became the central place of the local diocese.
Numerous unique monuments that have survived to this day are witnesses of those historical upheavals. A stunning sight - the ancient monasteries located on the peaks of Meteor that make up a single composition.
Amazing frescoes that adorn the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (the structure of the X century), provide an opportunity not only to receive aesthetic pleasure, but also to touch history. By the way, the name of the city of Greece Kalambaka means "powerful fortress" (translated from Turkish). The power established here by the Turks lasted until the second half of the 19th century.
Both Meteors and Thessaly Valley have always been a tidbit for many conquerors and at the same time a bone in their throats. All the warriors who came here did not stay here for a long time. Although, according to rumors, the Greeks are not a particularly hardworking people, but practice (ancient wars and World War II) shows that this people is stubborn, freedom-loving and persistent. They are true patriots of their homeland.
A brief chronology of historical events
Such a seemingly calm and cozy place as Kalambaka has a rather difficult and long history, covering the following stages:
- The name of this city since the 10th century is Stagi, and since 1204 its ownership passes to Epirus.
- At the end of the 13th century, the city of Stagi was owned by the dukes of New Patras.
- In 1304, he was taken by the Franks Varons.
- From 1334 he was again conquered by the lord of Epirus John II.
- A little later, the land of Stagi is tidied up by Andronic Palaeologus, and the city becomes a part of the Byzantine Empire.
- In 1349, the city and the lands around it were captured by the kings of Serbia.
- When Stagi was captured by the Turks (mid-15th century), the name of the city changed to Kalambaku.
- It is important to note that in the XVIII century. in Kalambaka (Greece) there was a school of its own (for comparison: in Bulgaria there were no official schools until the beginning of the 20th century, since the Turks forbade them to open).
- Kalambaka in 1854 participated in a revolt against the Turks. And in the battles in the Thessaly Valley, they suffered heavy losses.
Location
At the foot of the Meteor there are two settlements. From the height of the cliffs, small white houses with orange roofs are perfectly visible. They are scattered throughout the Thessaly Valley. These houses belong to the village of Kastraki and the city of Kalambaka.
From the small town of Kalambaki, located at the very foot of Meteor and on the left bank of Pignos, to the larger Trikala is only 20 kilometers. The height of the settlement above sea level is 240 meters.
Attractions Kalambaki
Greece can rightfully be proud of its beautiful cities and the wonderful nature surrounding them.
So, in the museum of local lore, located on one of the outskirts of Kalambaki, you can find out everything about the past life and the saturated fate of the city. You can admire its landscapes at special scenic venues equipped with magnificent fountains. In these places locals like to spend time of rest.
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Kalambaki is the “soaring” mountains. That is the name of the Meteora in Greek. You can verify the veracity of such an epithet by climbing a mountain peak on a cloudy day. Thanks to the fog that completely hides the foot of the mountain, it creates an indescribable feeling that you are floating high above the ground.
The city of Kalambaka in Greece is very ancient. During walks along it you can see traces of the great Roman Empire everywhere - architectural details of those times, pillars, inscriptions, etc. It seems that the dimensions of that great power are amazing: wherever you come, everywhere are the traces of the Romans.
To satisfy your hunger after interesting city walks, you can stay in any of the many cozy and hospitable taverns offering a variety of excellent Greek cuisine. In each of these establishments there is an unforgettable atmosphere that travelers really appreciate.
Also on the streets of the city there are many souvenir shops with memorable intricate gizmos. Locals are very friendly and welcoming. Their warmth, as well as urban flavor, leaves an unforgettable impression on them and wins hearts forever.
Kalambaki Hotels
Greece is loved by many tourists. And at the service of those who came to Kalambaka, 33 hotels.
The most popular among them are: Pyrgos Adrachti, Iridanos and Dellas Boutique Hotel. The average cost of service per person here is approximately 2280 rubles per day. However, it is possible to find rooms in other large and small hotels of the city at lower prices.
It should be noted that from almost any hotel in the city you can quickly get to Meteor. Kalambaka (Greece), like Kastraki, is very convenient in this regard.
Finally
Meteors - a place of pilgrimage for believers in Greece. Kalambaka receives Christians from all over the world year round. Here, from time immemorial, giant pillar rocks have risen from the earth to the sky itself. On their peaks, holy monasteries were reliably attached, which are annually visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Silence and surprising calm reigns here.
In such an extraordinary place, among peace and beauty, you can have a wonderful time relaxing, combining it with an acquaintance with the rich history of this area.