Kalampaka Meteora

In central Greece, and especially where the Thessaly valley ends gigantic rocks rise up to create a unique spectacle in the world. The phenomenon of rocks is not mentioned in mythology either by a Greek or a foreign historian. For about a thousand years, historians and geologists have begun to create these rocks by formulating various theories. The most prevalent theory is the German geologist Philipsson who came to Greece in the late 19th century. According to his theory, a large river had its estuary in this area, which for millions of years was covered by a narrow and deep sea section. The river waters deposited on the estuary sedimentary materials and stones and, in general, various materials that were transported with its waters from northern parts of the primeval Central Europe. Since the accumulation of these materials, deltogeneous cones have been formed. With constant erosion from the winds and rains, as well as from other geological changes, these rocks have gone through millions of years in their present form. In the cavities of the rocks, their slits and their tops, the people of the area found protection from the raids of various conquerors as well as those who passed through the area. In these rocks they found shelter and several daring hermits and deserters who sought peace, tranquility and with prayers they pursued Christian perfection. In the beginning the eremites were isolated and prayed in small chapels not only for their own salvation but also for the salvation of all people. Their life was simple and their labor was painful. When the rocks were inhabited, is not known, but according to the scriptures that exist, monasticism is presented when it had already been organized. According to the ruins, the first eremites must have roamed to the rocks towards the end of the first millennium. Barmnabas is referred to as the first eremite ( 950-970 AD), who founded the Covenant of the Holy Spirit. The first eremite climbed the rocks using scaffolds that supported them in beams wedged into holes in the rock. Later they used the ladders and the net until the first stairs were carved in the early twentieth century.

UNESCO has designated Saint Meteora “as a preserved monument of humanity.” They belong not only to Greece but also to the whole world. Thus the Meteora Monasteries are among the World Heritage Monuments because they are a unique harmonious blend of Byzantine architecture and natural beauty. The buildings of the monasteries look like a continuation of the rocks like a natural ending. And why is it an invaluable artistic and heirloom treasure. Furthermore, the presence of many monasteries in such a small space, as well as the orthodox spiritual life and exercise, caused the admiration of people all over the world. Finally, because the monasteries are bodies of culture, which – as we know – is not closed in any country. Just for their own salvation but also for the salvation of all people. Their life was simple and labor painful.