Discover the Underground World of Greek Caves
Five Grottos in the Regions of Macedonia, Epirus and Peloponnese
May 4, 2009
With over 6,000 caves discovered, it should be easy to find one to view the natural underground formations. Here are five unique caves in various regions around Greece.
In ancient Greece, caves were surrounded by myth and legend and thought to be the gates to the underworld domain of the god Hades. During times of war, they provided a natural refuge. Today they attract tourists to have a glimpse of an unusual and beautiful world underground.
The Cave of the Peace, Serres, Central Macedonia
- Also known as Alistratis Cave, it is found 31 miles southeast of Serres and 4 miles from the village of Alistratis in the region of Petrotos.
- The wild doves (symbol of peace) that nested at the entrance are perhaps the reason for the name.
- Unusual red and white stalactites fill the cave and a number of rooms have been created by the many pillars that have formed over the years.
The Cave of Gold, Kastoria, West Macedonia
- Located on the peninsula of Kastoria on Lake Orestiada, about 2 miles from town.
- The lake itself has been named by the Ministry of Culture as a "Monument of Natural Beauty" and is home to over 200 species of birds.
- Legend claims that the cave, believed to be a gold mine, was protected by a dragon. When a few brave men entered, they were warned against taking the precious mud and also for not taking it. One courageous man took a handful and in the light discovered it was gold mud.
- The cave boasts 7 underground lakes, halls and corridors.
The Cave of the Cross, Perama, Epirus
- Located just outside of Ioannina, this three level cave is found in the foothills of Mt. Goritsa and is the largest cave on the mainland.
- It is named after the unusual cross-shaped stalagmite formation.
- The cave was discovered during the Greek-Italian war in 1940 when a resident was searching for shelter from bombardment.
- In 1951 the tooth of an ancient cave bear was discovered. More teeth and bones were excavated during the next four years of this bear family.
- The cave was opened to the public in 1956.
The Cave of the Lakes, Kastria, North Peloponnese
- Located about 37 miles from Tripoli in Kastria.
- Cascading waterfalls form during the spring when the snow melts and the river is high.
- During the dry summer, the water recedes to show dams up to 13 feet high. One portion of the cave has 13 underground lakes.
- Man-made bridges lead you from one lake to another.
The King of Caves, Diros Bay, South Peloponnese
- Also known as the Glyfada Cave, it is located on the western shores of the Laconia peninsula in the Diros Bay.
- The cave ranks as one of the world's three most beautiful lake caves. It's in competition with the Jeita Grotto in Beirut and the Pariac Grotto in France.
- Most of the cave is viewed from boats that follow the river waterways. Only a very small portion of the cave is on dry land.
- Remains of pre-historic life forms have been discovered within the caves.
Sources
Route Superfast 11th Edition Winter 2009
Cave of the Lakes April 29, 2009
Around Greece. Caves in Greece and the Greek Islands. April 29, 2009
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