AGIA SOFÍA CAVE...
...is a karst cave of great scientific interest,
and consists of an enormous chamber which has a diameter of 70m.
The cave is 20m high.
There are marvellous stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes.
In the entrance on the left end there is a small church with an
icon that, as tradition says, came from Constantinople. The church
has been wedged in a rock. Many finds from Neolithic era were
discovered in the cave.
The Church
A STORY...
...tells that at the time of Venetian
domination, the outlaw rebels were pardoned when they had delivered
the head of their fathers or brothers.
Therefore Psaromílingos I., the young leader of the rebels, had
been called into the cave by his father and his uncle, the Bishop
of Kissamos named Melchisedek. They asked him of chopping off their
heads in order to save the fatherland and himself. But the young
man shrunk back from doing such a crime. Also the old men saw them
forced to kill themselves.
Enforcedly Psaromílingos I. beheaded both and delivered their heads
to the Venetians, who pardoned him.
HOW TO GET THERE
Follow the road from Kissamos to Elafonísi.
Shortly after the tunnel you will see a well maintained footpath on
the mountain side which leads up to the cave entrance. For a more
enjoyable walk through a lonely olive grove, follow the road some
hundred meters further to N35 24.474 E23 40.881. There you can park
your car. The walking path to the cave is marked with a sign.
THE CACHE...
...is hidden near the cave, but you do not need
to enter the cave. Look at the root of the bended fig tree. Don't
hesitate to have a look at the spoiler picture (visit link).
Please rehide the cache carefully, because it's close to the
walking path.
Good luck and enjoy your visit!
More caches on Crete
Agia Sofía Cave (visit link), Agia Iríni Gorge (visit link), Ágii Patéres - The Cave of the 99
Holy Fathers (visit link), Ménies Bay (visit link), Highway to Hell - Cave of Tsanís -
Earthcache (visit link)
Small note on cache maintenance: OMILOS has
offered to assist if needed. Thanks!