The cave is located on the eastern slopes of Psiloritis, on Nida plateau, at an altitude of 1,498m, 20km away from Anogia. The Ideon Andron was where Zeus was brought up and was considered for centuries a sacred place. The cave showcases the timeless presence of humans in the mountainous areas of the island of Crete.
Archaeological excavations started inside the cave in 1982 by archaeologists Yannis and Effie Sakellarakis. Their research proved that the cave was inhabited from Neolithic times, had a religious use from the 2d millennium BC, and was used constantly as a sanctuary from the geometric to the archaic times (from the 10th to the 6th century BC).
Vases, elaborate vessels, figurines, ivory seals, jewellery, necklaces with semiprecious stones, gold miniature vases and bronze votive shields with representations are some of the offerings found in the sanctuary.