Psykhro, Greece Tourism

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overlooking the village of Psihro. Then there is a 20minute uphill walk along a footpath to the cave mouth. Pack animals can also be hired for the ascent.

The cave is amply decorated by stalactites and stalagmites and has a picturesque pool. One spectacularly large stalactite is called The Cloak of Zeus. In a straight line, the cave is 85 m long, its greatest depth is 37 m and its maximum height is 12 m. The cave covers an area of 2,200 sq. m.

The cave has been known since ancient times. It is internationally known through its connection with mythology and archeology. According to Isiodus' Theogonia, the cave is connected with the mythological birth and worship of the Cretan-born Zeus. It is also associated with the subsequent worship of the Celestian Venus. An abundance of Neolithic, Minoan, sub-Minoan, Geometric, Archaic, Hellenistic and Roman period finds show the cave to have been in constant use.

Exploration by the Archeological Service continues and there is a guard at the cave.