Very close to the road from Kalambaka to Meteora is the picturesque village of Kastraki, with the characteristic of traditional life and rich natural beauty, which particularly emphasizes the evocative landscape painting theoktista rocks of the monastic state.
A small picturesque village, nestled in the arms of huge rocks that seem to protect it, is the last corner of secular life.
Community created in the times of Ottoman rule in the unification of small settlements, from Greek mainland who fled here to escape the infamous ruler of Ioannina, Turk Ali Pasha.
A Byzantine castle whose ruins still saved a few, gave its name to the village. Before the war the village kept intact the rural image of the Greek countryside. But today the development of transport and the massive turnout of tourists, has become a wonderful recreational camping site, restaurants and guesthouses, which offer pleasant relaxation to the visitors of Meteora.
Kastraki was closely associated with the history of monasticism meteoric, since in this region held by the monasteries and centuries cultivated the rich vineyards, such as state (named Qastiro) at the official Turkish census ledger for the years 1454/5. In the same ledger indicate the tax exemptions and other financial benefits, it seems, had been granted in meteorites monks viticulture since the Vogiazit Asta years of Turkish occupation (1393-1394).
Last modified on Wednesday, 08 August 2012 20:27