Σπήλαιο Κακοπέρατου

Kakoperato Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Karlovasi 832 00, Samos. On the road between Kosmadei and Marathokampos. (37.7498617, 26.6456077)
Open:	no restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Cave Church Karst Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Kakoperato Cave, Tel: +30-.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Σπήλαιο στο Φαράγγι Κακοπέρατο (Cave in Kakoperato Gorge) or simplified Σπήλαιο Κακοπέρατου (Kakoperato Cave) is located on the northern slopes of Mount Kerkis. This mountain is full of churches and monasteries, and there are narrow winding roads leading to some, steep trails leading to others. In this case the road from the village Kosmadei through the mountain leads to the Ιερά Μονή Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Κακοπέρατου (Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi Kakoperato). This name requires a little background info: the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (or Ailiotissas) dominates the eastern part of Samos. But this is the Kakoperato branch or dependency, not the main monastery. Park at the monastery, where the trail through the gorge to the cave church starts at the spring. It is only 600 m from the monastery to the church, but the trail is exposed and requires a certain head for heights. However, it is not difficult or strenuous, just a little bumpy, good walking shoes are essential. To make it safer a sort of blue-painted railing was installed, which does not really make a good impression. Walk careful and concentrated. Bring a torch for the cave.

According to local lore, the cave was the home of hermits. At some point the hermits erected the small cave church. There are the remains of walls, white crosses painted on the walls, and in a larger section of the cave there is a small building which seems to be from the early 20th century and is used as a church. In other words, the church was built inside the cave, and unlike other cave churches, it does not use the cave walls in any way. It’s a simple rectangular building with four walls and a roof built inside the cave. We guess the roof helps against dripping water.