Many of them were built or renovated during the 16th century, a period of prosperity and flourishing of monasticism at Meteora. Famous painters came to the Meteora Monasteries, such as Theophanes the Cretan and Frangos Katelanos, with expertise on the Paleologan models of the Byzantine Art. The Meteora Monasteries continued to flourish until the 17th century. The restoration of the Meteora monasteries is carried out on the basis of studies approved by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Based on its important botanical and zoological values, Meteora is part of the Natura 2000 protected area network (GR1440003/2000).