Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824. Archaeological excavations carried out in this place, however, prove that the history of this beautiful cave is much longer and goes back to Neolithic times. During the reign of Minoans there was one of the important places of worship here. Mention of Melidoni also appear in legends and myths, according to which the bronze giant Talos was to be protected. Today, the Melidoni cave is worth visiting not only because of its extensive history, but also for its beautiful dripstone creations. Constant low temperature prevailing in this cave will also allow you even a moment to rest from the heat of the Cretan summer.
Illegal excavations conducted here in 1940 confirmed that the cave had been inhabited continuously from the Neolithic times up to Roman times. Over the course of hundreds of years, however, the function of Melidoni has changed. Initially, the cave was used as a place of residence, but in early pre-Roman times it was already a place of worship, where Hermes Tallaios was worshiped (in the ancient ancient language of Crete Talos probably means "sun"). Archaeological findings from the cave are displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon.
It is highly probable that Melidoni cave still has many secrets. This was confirmed by research carried out in 1998 in the area of sediment in the entrance to the cave. On the excavated walls, several inscriptions made with cuneiform writing were discovered. Archaeologists assume that the subsequent work will reveal further inscriptions that will greatly expand our knowledge of the functions of the Gerontospilios cave in antiquity.
According to myths and legends Melidoni also served as a place of refuge for Talos. It was a bronze giant, which, depending on the application, was created by Hephaestus or Dedal. Handed over to King Minos, he protected the inhabitants of Crete from invaders. Several times a day he roamed the coast of the island, attacking every stranger he encountered. The end of his reign was laid by the Argonauts' expedition, who, under the leadership of Jason, exterminated this giant. Knowing his weak point in the foot, Medea made the monster bleed.
Today, however, the cave is best known for the tragic role it played during the liberation struggles that took place in 1824. At the end of 1823, the Gerontospilios cave became a place of refuge for almost 370 residents of the Melidoni village, mainly women and children fleeing the Ottoman army. When this fact was discovered by the Turks, the commander of the army, Hussein Bejt, demanded that the Cretans leave the cave. In spite of several attempts, Turkish troops could not force the villagers of Melidoni to leave. The result was not even peace talks. The situation was significantly tightened when the Cretans killed two Ottoman emissaries. The Turkish commander decided that the entrance to the cave should be collapsed and the inflow of fresh air would be cut off. However, even such a drastic step did not force the Cretans to leave the Gerontospilios cave. At the order of Husayn Bejt, a huge bonfire was lit in the entrance. Smoke flowing into the inside of the cave caused all the refugees from the village of Melidoni to suffocate. Today in the central part of the cave is a monument commemorating the victims of these tragic events, which to this day are still vividly recalled by the Cretans.
Melidoni Cave is located roughly halfway between Rethymnon and Heraklion . Take advantage of the exit from the New National Road, located near Exantis. The road to Melidoni is relatively well marked with clear signposts that will lead you to a small parking lot at the end of a blind road. In our opinion, it is worth visiting this cave, the more so because it's closeCaring right next to the New National Road will certainly allow you to join her tour for a trip to another place located in this area of Crete. For visitors Melidoni is available from the turn of April / May to October. The admission ticket costs 3 €.
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Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Thrapsano is a small town inhabited by slightly over 2,500 people, the vast majority of which until recently maintained their activity as a potter.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
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Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
Około 60 kilometrów na południowy zachód od stolicy Krety - Heraklionu znajdują się ruiny drugiego co do wielkości starożytnego pałacu - Fajstos.
Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824.
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It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.
Tylissos is one of the few places in Crete that has kept its name since ancient times.
Plaża w Damnoni jest położona po sąsiedzku z Plakias - popularną turystyczną miejscowością
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gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.
The observatory is located at the top of the Skinakas mountain at an altitude of 1750 m. The idea for its construction was born in 1984.
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Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.
This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.
If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.
Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
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Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.
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When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge. In the middle part of this cave there is a large stalagmite next to which there is a small water tank. Standing at the right angle and arming with a large dose of imagination can be seen in this stone block of bear that gave the name for this place.
Less than 50 km from Chania between Topolia and Koutsamatados is an interesting cave known as Agia Sofia and Wisdom of God. It is located on the main road connecting Elafonissi beach and Kissamos village.
According to the data of the Greek Speleological Society, there are more than 3,000 caves in Crete, many of which have great scientific value and are of archaeological, palaeontological and historical interest. Of this huge number of caves, however, only a few are open to the public. The Sfendoni Cave belongs to the group that tourists can see. It is also the largest cave in Crete that has been made available to visitors.
Komentarze
komentarz z
Byliśmy w tym roku, dzięki za opis przebijający wszystkie przewodniki raze wzięte ;) Niestety nie jest chyba ta jaskinia popularna wśród turystów, bo mimo szczytu sezonu nie było tam żywej duszy ... a zobaczyć warto.
komentarz z
Faktycznie raczej mało osób tu zagląda. Może to kwestia tej tragicznej historii? Bo sama jaskinia jest piękna.
komentarz z
Przywitał nas tylko taki - miejscowy :P
komentarz z
Jest magiczna, to fakt.
komentarz z
Polecam zwiedzanie
komentarz z
Byliśmy,a jakże!
komentarz z
Jedno z miejsc na Krecie, które wywarło na mnie największe wrażenie.
komentarz z
Czy w środku można robić zdjęcia?
komentarz z
Można, ale bez lampy i związku z tym potrzebujesz statywu bo ciemno tam jak w ....
komentarz z
A po drodze warto zatrzymać się w rodzinnej wytwórni pysznej oliwy
komentarz z
Super polecam:)
komentarz z
Przepiękna również polecam
komentarz z
Polecam.Nie trzeba się wcale specjalnie ubierać.Jest ciepło.
Historia związana z tym miejscem jest tragiczna.
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