Crete tourist guide

198 years have passed since the Melidoni cave massacre

2022-02-21 18:50:47

The Melidoni Cave , located between Rethymno and Heraklion, is now associated with the dramatic events that took place in 1824. During the liberation fights with the Ottoman troops occupying the island, nearly 370 inhabitants of the nearby village of Melidoni took refuge in this cave. They were mainly women with children who were escaping from the occupant's army.

When attempts to persuade the Cretans to leave this refuge failed, the Turkish leader Hussein Beit ordered the cave to collapse. Cutting off the fugitives from the supply of fresh air did not make them exit either. Eventually, Bejt ordered a huge fire in the entrance to be lit so that smoke began to flow into the cave. Anyone who was interested in the history of the Cretans' struggles knows that the inhabitants of the island never gave up. So it was this time. Nearly 370 people chose death over capitulation to enemy troops.

Last Sunday, February 20, 198 years have passed since these dramatic events. To commemorate the victims of this massacre, local authorities organized special ceremonies in the Melidoni cave. A particularly touching moment was the performance of the dance by a local band from Axos. A group of dancers danced in silence around the monument erected here symbolizing the grave of the people who died in this cave.

Photo source: rethnea.gr

You can find more about the Melidoni Cave in this article .

Gosia,  2022-02-21 18:50:47

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