50 EURO GOLD COIN PROOF METEORA

Περιγραφή

Meteora is a complex of gigantic rock formations made of sandstone and conglomerate rocks in Thessaly, near Kalambaka. The monasteries of Meteora, built on the summits of the rocks, constitute the largest monastic community in Greece after Mount Athos. Their isolation and inaccessible landscape attracted monks as early as the 11th century.

Despite the extremely difficult conditions, 24 monasteries were built, of which six are still in operation today. In 1988, Meteora was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It constitutes a true treasury of post-Byzantine art, as many katholika of the monasteries were decorated with frescoes by prominent artists of the 16th century, such as Theophanes the Cretan and Frangos Katelanos. Notable monasteries include the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Great Meteoron), Varlaam, Holy Trinity, and Saint Nicholas Anapausas. The breathtaking landscape of Meteora fills visitors with awe, while the rocks are also popular destinations for climbing and hiking.