The word “kalabaka” originates from Turkish and means “strong fort”. The ancient city Aiginio, which was called Stagi (a name that the Metropolitan church still carries) during the medieval times, was located at the same place. The modern city has a very good street planning, large squares, wide roads and developed tourism due to its position next to the popular Meteora. It is located 22 km NW of Trikala.

Sightseeing

The historic church Koimisis tis Theotokou or Assumption of the Virgin

The only Greek School of Woodcarving
The cave of Theopetras. Human imprints dating back to 45000 B.C. were found here
The scenic village Kastraki, 2 km NW, which connects with Kalabaka under the shadow of the impressive rocks of Meteora. It took its name after a small Byzantine castle, from which only some ruins are preserved. You must visit the church of Panagia Doupiani, with Doupianis cloister which was worship center of the first hermits (11th – 12th century).
Meteora. One of the greatest monuments of the world, protected by UNESCO which has characterized it as “A Preserved and Protected Monument of Humanity”, Meteora is the most important monastic center in Greece (after Aghios Oros). The first ascetics came here in the 11th century. Meteora, however, flourished as a monastic center between the 13th and 14th century as many people who lived in the nearby areas embraced the monastic way of living.
Activities
Climbing on the impressive rocks of Meteora.

Events

“Paschalogiorta” Easter celebrations.
Carnival celebrations
The feast of wine during last 10 days of August in Kastraki.
The custom of Aghios Georgios Mantilas, which is revived on Monday after Easter Sunday, the day of the saint's celebration, in Kastraki. The roots of the custom go to the period of Turkish occupation and its difficulty is that people have to climb the steep rock and reach the chapel of the saint which is wedged in a cave.

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