Melidoni cave – Gerondospilios

Melidoni Cave lies about 1,800 meters northwest of the village and is of interest for its archaeological finds, some of which are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.

The Melidoni Cave, also known as Gerontospilios, was one of the largest cult caves of Minoan times, where the bronze statue of the giant Talos was revered. In mythology, he is said to have protected the island and ensured peace.

The cave is of high archaeological and historical value, as it served as a refuge for 370 women, children, and 30 warriors who escaped the Turkic yoke in October 1823. Historical records show that Hussein Bey surrounded the cave with his soldiers and ordered the Cretans to surrender. They refused, knowing what awaited them. After a three-month siege, the Turks threw flammable materials through the cave’s upper opening and set it on fire. Women, children, and warriors perished in this damp cave in January 1824.

In the central hall, the bones of the heroes were laid to rest in a ossuary, underscoring the drama of Melidoni Cave. The entrance greets us with a vaulted opening and leads to the first chamber, the “Hall of Heroes,” where the “monument” sits as mentioned above. A complex of stalagmites unfolds before us. At the “Intersection,” we move to the right chamber. Upon entering the large chamber named “Pasley,” we see stalagmites and stalactites forming a wonderful complex and offering a stunning view for visitors.

As we advance, the massive rocks give the sense of being in another world. Unnoticed, we reach the “Rocks” area, where a narrow corridor leads to the “Chamber of Wells.” We then follow the right path to the end, named “The Supernatural Being.”

Wandering through the cave brings us back to the intersection. This time we go to the left, entering a single-room chamber called the “Chamber of Curtains,” notable for its magnificent drapery-like formations and abundant speleothems.

When you visit, you can experience all this just as we had the opportunity to admire the caves with our own eyes.