Σπηλαιο αη Σοφια

Spilia Agia Sophia - Ayía Sofia Cave - Cave of Agia Sophia - St Sophia's Cave


Useful Information

Location: On Crete, between Topolia and Kartsomatado (Koutsamatados) in the gorge of Topolia. Near Hania, 48 km from Chania.
From Topolia through the gorge and the tunnel. Footpath immediately after the tunnel.
Open: no restrictions
Fee: free
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: none, bring electric torch. electric light.
Dimension: Dia=70 m, H=20 m, A=285 m asl
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
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.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

A short distance after the tunnel, there is a well maintained footpath on the mountain side which leads up to the cave entrance which is an impressive 25 m wide by 10 m high. The cave is of great scientific interest, and consists of an enormous chamber which has a diameter of 70m and is 20 m 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, and has been wedged in a rock Many finds from Neolithic era were discovered in the cave. Two patronal feasts take place there each year: One on Tuesday after Easter and a second on December 24, when the birth of Jesus is celebrated.


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