Points of interest

Caves
Melidoni Cave

The cave of Melidoni or Gerontospilios, is about 2km away from the village of Melidoni and receives many visitors due to its geological, archaeological, and historical interest.
The cave is within platy limestone and includes more than six rooms with vivid sculpted rocks and impressive decorations by stalagmites and stalactites. The formations in each chamber provided inspiration for the names of the different rooms: “the hall of the heroes”, “Pashley”, “the curtains”, “the Rocks”, “the chamber of the sinkhole”, and “the loft”.
The myths connect the cave with the bronze giant Talos, the vigilant guard of Crete. The cave was a place of worship during Minoan times, as findings of Minoan artifacts suggest. During Ottoman times, in January 1824, the Turks set fire to some 400 people, including children, who were hiding inside the cave. In the first room is their ossuary.

The project is implemented through the Regional Development Fund of Crete
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