GREEK CAVES A project for English Class Lydia Mavraidis

Some general information (1)  Caves, both on the mainland and on the islands, are a result of the country’s rich geological structure and evolution.  Explorations by geologists and speleologists have brought to light more than 8,500 caves of all categories (caves, abysses, underground rivers, etc). Many of them still remain unexplored.  In many of these caves vessels, bones, rock paintings, jewelry and traces of fire have been found. This proves the human presence from the early years.

Some general information  Many of these caves were used in antiquity as sites of worship, while in later times they housed churches and monasteries. Numerous caves have played an important role in Greece’s struggles for independence (since they served as shelters, hideaways, hospitals, workshops, etc.).  Stalactites or stalagmites are limestone deposits and are formed on the walls of the caves.  The names given to the chambers and formations suggest a strong imagination. Because no cave is the same as another, each one is accompanied by its own legends and does not create the same feelings. (2)

Thrace: Evros, Cave Makri

Thrace: Evros, Cave Makri  According to mythology, the Cyclops Polyphemus lived there.  It was actually inhabited or used by ancient tribes, judging from the findings of the pots.  The cave has two chambers on its first floor and another one in its second floor, both full of stalagmites and stalactites.

Macedonia: Serres, Cave Alistrati

Macedonia: Serres, Cave Alistrati  The cave Alistrati is one of the largest caves in Europe and one of the most beautiful in Greece.  The rich decoration includes huge stalactites and stalagmites in various colors.  It is said that Pluto, the God of Hades, stole Persephoni, the daughter of the Godess Demeter, and led her to the natural channel (gorge), where the gate of Hades is.

Macedonia: Pella, Cave Baths of Loutraki

Macedonia: Pella, Cave Baths of Loutraki  In a complex of more than fifteen caves, stone tools and arrows were discovered. This is evidence that the area was inhabited since the Stone Age. Fossils of prehistoric animals were also found.

Central Greece: Peania, Koutouki Cave

Central Greece: Peania, Koutouki Cave  The cave is divided into sections. Each one of these shows wonderful patterns that emerge even more because of the special lighting and attentive tour.  It is the biggest of the 60 caves of Attica.

Peloponnese: Laconia, Cave Diro

Peloponnese: Laconia, Cave Diro  Cave is composed of three individual caves; Glyfada, shelters and Alepotrypa.  The cave is a lake and you can explore it only by boat. The whole tour takes about 40 minutes.  The cave-- because of its huge depth--still has unexplored areas.

Crete: Lassithi, Dikteon Cave

Crete: Lassithi, Dikteon Cave  According to mythology, Rhea gave birth here to Zeus to protect him from his father.  The cave is divided into two floors and five sections. Downstairs there is a pool that reflects the beauty of stalactites.

Ionian Islands: Kefalonia, Drogarati Cave

Ionian Islands: Kefalonia, Drogarati Cave  The light interacts with stalactites, creating a spectacular phenomenon.  In the great hall of the cave, dimensioned 30 x 40 concerts and events are organized.

Ionian Islands: Kefalonia, Melissani Cave

Ionian Islands: Kefalonia, Melissani Cave  It is sometimes called Cave of the Nymphs. The lake was named after one of the nymphs, the nymph Melissanthi.  Today the cave has the shape of a B, with two big water filled halls and an island in the middle. The first hall has a big oval opening to the surface, where the sunlight shines in.

Cyclades: Antiparos Cave

Cyclades: Antiparos Cave  The most impressive part is the great hall of eight measures.  In 1673 a Catholic priest celebrated Christmas here, as evidenced by the inscription carved in stone.

Sources:  famous-caves-in-greece.html famous-caves-in-greece.html  underground_lakes_caves.html underground_lakes_caves.html  content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=231 content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=231   oponnesus/Lakonia/Diros/photo htm oponnesus/Lakonia/Diros/photo htm   avesgreece.htm avesgreece.htm

Pictures:  Managed/IMM Managed/IMM  _lakes_caves.html _lakes_caves.html    d r Koutouki_Cave- Paiania_East_Attica_Region_Attica.html d r Koutouki_Cave- Paiania_East_Attica_Region_Attica.html  akonia/Diros/photo htm akonia/Diros/photo htm  cave.html cave.html    cave-lake.html cave-lake.html

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