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The history of Meteora dates back to the 9th century, when hermit monks sought solitude in the cliffs. These early ascetics climbed the formidable rock faces, often using only their hands to grasp trees and rocks, carving out homes in natural caves and crevices. Living in isolation, they dedicated their lives to prayer and contemplation, rarely descending to the valley below.
As the Byzantine Empire's reign began to wane in the late 14th century and the Ottoman Empire encroached, these ascetic communities found refuge atop Meteora's inaccessible cliffs. The area's natural fortifications offered the monks and their culture a safe haven during turbulent times.