The cave of Melidoni or Gerontospilos is located 28 kilometers east of the city of Rethymno and 2 kilometers from the village of the same name. It is an impressive cave with great archaeological, historical and speleological value.
In ancient times, it was one of the four religious caves in Crete. In the Neolithic and Minoan times, the giant Talos, a prehistoric bronze robot that protected Crete and was a gift from the God Zeus to King Minos, was worshiped here. Later, during the Roman era, Talos was associated with the god Hermes and the cave became a place of worship and sacrifice for Thaleus Hermes. The museum of Rethymno exhibits Neolithic tools and vessels and archaeological finds, such as figurines, lamps and a double bronze axe, from the cave dating from the Middle Minoan period.
The cave played a tragic role in the Cretan Revolution, as in October 1823, 370 inhabitants of the neighboring village fled and fortified themselves there. The Turks asked them to surrender and after a three-month siege, they blocked the exits with branches, set them on fire and the 370 people met a tragic death. At the entrance of the cave there is a small chapel, where, a memorial is held for the victims of the massacre every year .
The arched entrance of the cave leads to the main hall which is very large, measuring 50 meters by 30 meters and impressive with huge stalagmites and stalactites. It's called the Hall of Heroes. It houses the ossuary with the bones of the Heroes from the massacre of Crete in 1824.
The corridor after the main hall leads to a crossroads. The corridor on the right leads to the Pasley Hall, measuring 40 meters by 5, and 16 to 25 meters high. The hall was named after the English explorer Robert Pashley, who visited the cave in 1834 and recorded the carnage. The stalagmites and stalactites here offer a unique sight. The next room is the rock room with the massive rocks. A narrow corridor leads to the sinkhole chamber, an underground natural conduit that channels the cave's waters. The corridor ends at Hyperoon, the balcony. Returning to the main Hall, on the left in the original corridor is the Hall of Curtains, where the majestic rock formations look like curtains and the stalactites and stalagmites are mesmerizing.
A visit to the cave is definitely worth it. The cave is open, in the summer, every day from 9.00 to 19.00. From October 15th, it is open until 18.00. In the winter, it is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00. The ticket for adults costs 4 euros and for pensioners and students 3 euros.
(More articles about Crete on www.gomega.gr)
