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Kastraki: The village in the shadow of the "sacred forest" in Greece

On seeing it, the visitor is struck by the grandeur of the site, in a place where Byzantine architecture blends harmoniously with natural beauty.

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The imposing landscape with the unique geological phenomenon makes the visitor shudder, with the Byzantine monasteries on the cliffs raising the question of how they were built.

We are talking, of course, about Meteora, the "sacred forest" of Greece, that there is not something like it anywhere. In the shadow of this unique geological phenomenon lies Kastraki, whose origins date back to the time of the Turkish occupation, when several settlements of Epirus joined forces to fight and protect themselves against Ali Pasha who found refuge in the area. The name of the village is inspired by the Byzantine castle that existed in the area, of which ruins remain to this day.

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Although it is adjacent to the town of Kalambaka, it is the most picturesque part as it is a preserved old village with streets and houses in traditional architecture that make a very beautiful picture that matches the rocks that cover it. Kastraki is also a popular starting point for climbing enthusiasts.

The village, along with the rest of the Meteora area, has been declared a Natural Monument and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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