To fully discover Kalambaka, visit the museum, tour the Byzantine church, walk the hills surrounding the monasteries and visit the Friday market
Kalambaka is best known as the home of the Great Meteora and the five other sky monasteries. That is not all there is to see or do when you visit this city on the edge of the Thessalian plain.
The Museum
The Museum is located at the edge of Kalambaka, on the road leading to Kastraki and the monasteries. At present the lower floor of the Museum features a display of everyday life in rural Greece. Upstairs is a collection of stunning black and white prints to compliment the downstairs display. Here you will actually see proof that there is indeed snow in Greece – lots of snow.
While the hills between Kalambaka and the monasteries are a maze of goat trails, there are also a few good people trails. Take the uphill street beside the Hotel Divani and continue upwards to the edge of town. Where the road morphs into a trail, continue past the olive grove and into the wilds. This trail will take you to the Holy Trinity Monastery. There is also a branch you can take that comes out just below Saint Barbara’s Monastery.
Another good trail starts at the bottom of the stairs when you come out of the Great Meteora. Although the beginning is a bit rough, the trail improves as you follow it down. There is a branch that connects to Varlaam Monastery. When you get below Varlaam, stop to explore the caves that most recently have been used to shelter sheep. If you continue on to the bottom, you come out near St. Nicholas Monastery.
The Byzantine Church
At the top edge of Kalambaka, is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin that was built in the 7th century, long before any monasteries came into being. The frescoes are a more recent – 14th century – addition. Be sure to get there well before closing as the curator can be a bit impatient.
The Friday Market
Every Friday, Kalambaka comes alive with the Friday market. Uphill from both of the main squares in town, you can find almost anything you ever wanted.
You’ll see little Greek women with a few greens and fresh eggs for sale. Black Africans flog watches and trinkets. Orientals have tables with silk scarves and warm gloves. Eastern European men have their tables laden with fashionable sweaters. As the vendors call for your attention be sure to check out the ten Euro tables.
Then there’s the food. You’ll see tables bursting with six different kinds of greens. Produce of every kind is piled high, to temp even the pickiest eater.
Buy some locally grown grapes or olives or walnuts for a real taste treat.
After all this excitement, find a Cafe Neon in the main square and linger over a gaulicos – a French coffee. Watch the local Greeks wander past with their baskets and bundles bulging with sustenance for the week ahead.
Kalambaka is definitely an experience not to be missed.
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