KALAMBAKA - KASTRAKI - Secular guardians of the sacred rocksIn the shadow of the rocks, literally and figuratively, a lively town, Kalambaka, and a picturesque village, Kastraki, have inextricably linked their fate with the sacred place.The two historic settlements have, understandably, taken a back seat, leaving the leading role to the spectacle of Meteora. Nevertheless, they have a rich history and deserve the visitor's attention. Traditionally, their economy was based on agriculture and livestock farming, but with the advent of mass tourism, most residents turned to the hospitality and catering sector, a fact that had an impact on their residential image. In Kalambaka, Sopoto and Kastraki, in Mesochori, picturesque "corners" that remind us of the past are preserved.The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, as evidenced by the findings in the nearby Cave of Theopetra, which, by the way, is expected to reopen its "gates" to the public in the coming months.Image From Aeginio to KalambakaIn Roman times, there was a city in the area called Aeginio, which is mentioned by Strabo, who, paradoxically, makes no mention of the impressive geological phenomenon of Meteora. During the Byzantine years, present-day Kalambaka was called Stagoi, with the following most likely etymological explanations: a) 's tois agious-stagious-stagous- The Stagoi, b) from "stagos", i.e. wheat carrier, c) from the Slavic word "stagia", which means chambers or cavities of rocks. There are two versions for the modern name. The first is that it comes from the Byzantine family Kalabaka, the second is that it comes from the Turkish "kale-bak", which means "prominent, strong fortress".The most important attraction of the city is the three-aisled Basilica of the Dormition (10th-11th century), with the impressive "central" marble pulpit. It is located under the imposing, vertical rock of Agia. A visit to the Museum of Natural History and Mushrooms is a must, on the two floors of which you will see incredibly realistic representations of mammals and birds as well as all the mushrooms of the area. The Museum is also "responsible" for the Pan-Hellenic Truffle Festival, which has been organized with great success in Kalambaka for the last two years. Of particular interest is also the School of Wood Carving, the only vocational school of its kind in Greece, which has been operating since 1949.Image In a Stone EmbraceKastraki is the "par excellence" settlement of Meteora and seems to have nestled in the embrace of stone towers. Regarding the name of the village, it seems that during the Byzantine years there was a real castle here, but it could also come from the natural castle that the rocks form around it. Its first inhabitants must have been Epirotes, from Northern Epirus, who initially founded the settlements Rouxiori, Agia Paraskevi, Righilavo and Triskiano, which were united in the early 18th century, forming today's village.Kastraki is offered as a base for hiking among the rocks of Meteora. If you are here on the feast of Saint George, do not miss watching the "replacement" of the handkerchiefs at Agios Georgios Mandilas, a small monastery of the 14th century, which is perfectly "integrated" into a rock of Meteora.If you want to enjoy the most impressive, "aerial" view of Kalambaka, Kastraki and Meteora, look for the road to the resort settlement Koromilia, which from a height of 1150 meters offers a unique panorama!
