Σπηλια Αγ Γιαννης Ηρακληα

Spilia Áyios Ioánnis Iráklia - Cave of Áyios Ioánnis - Cave of Aghios Ioannis Herakleia


Useful Information

Location: South of Naxos on the island of Iráklia.
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Open: no restrictions.
[2021]
Fee: free.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave SubterraneaCave Church
Light: none, bring electric torch
Dimension:  
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address:  
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

The cave is hidden behind the mountain, at the head of a valley which leads to Vourkároa Bay. From Panayiá, follow the signposted track west following a zig-zagging path up to a saddle well to the north of the summit. The path then drops down to the south around the back of the mountain. A red arrow, painted on the rock on the left indicates the turning to the cave. This is just over an hours walk from Panayiá.

A church bell hangs from a cypress tree above the whitewashed entrance. Just inside the entrance there is a shrine and a wide straight passage soon the cave opens up into a large chamber 27 m long by 17 m wide and 10 m high with many speleothems. From here five equally remarkable chambers follow, one after the other, separated by tall columns of every shape and colour. It can be explored for a distance of 120 m and is thought to be part of a much larger system. Every year on August 18, a religious festival is held here.

Be sure to bring a powerful torch.


Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.