The city of Kalabaka is famous for the monasteries built on the huge rocks of Meteora. They are gigantic rocks, almost 400 meters high, and definitely one of the most interesting geological phenomena of the world. Thus, this region attracts a large number of tourists every year. The name "Meteora" means literally something that hovers, and it was probably given during the Byzantine era.
Their formation has been a mystery for geologists for many years. There are many theories but most likely they started to be formed at the bottom of the sea million years ago. When the region was lifted by earthquakes and the water receded to the Aegean sea, those big rocks have remained there.
The first monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus, and it was built by monk St Athanasios Meteoritis in 1344. Before that time, there were monks living as hermits in caves on the rocks, hundreds of meters above the ground level. During the Greek Independence Struggle, the monasteries served as safe refuges for Greek rebels fighting against the Ottoman empire.
According to historical sources most of the monasteries were built during the 14th century while in the 16th century, there were approximately 30 monasteries. Today, there are six monasteries that are welcoming guests who visit them in order to admire the beautiful landscape or pray. The monasteries are Megalou Meteorou, Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), Rousanou, Agiou Stefanou Meteoron, Varlaam, and Agiou Nikolaou Anapafsa.
A huge restoration project preserved the Byzantine architecture of the monasteries, while Meteora have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.