One of the most richly decorated caves in Europe lies in Laconia, a few minutes from Neapoli and an hour from Monemvasia - Nature took three million years to create the impressive Kastania Cave.
Nature has shaped many impressive sights in Greece. Among them are caves that inspire awe in visitors. Kastania Cave, at the southern tip of the Peloponnese, a few minutes from Neapoli Laconia,is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in Greece. In fact, thanks to the density, the variety of shapes, the colors and forms in its interior decoration, this cave ranks second of its kind in all of Europe.
Kastania Cave: A jewel of nature in Laconia
The Kastania Cave is located in Kastania Voionin the Municipality of Monemvasia, about 25 minutes by car from Neapoli and one hour from Monemvasia. The lush mountain route to the cave follows the eastern end of Mount Parnon that fades into Cape Maleas.
Nature took three million years to create the rich adornment of this cave, which offers visitors scenes of rare beauty. Towering red and white «waterfalls», giant columns, «curtains» and «sheets» pour down like wax-like forms from the ceiling. Nestled among them are «octopuses» and «corals», «little elephants» and «mushrooms», «birds» and caricatures, «exotic plants» and monumental creatures.
The cave was discovered at the beginning of the last century by the shepherd Spyros Stivaktas, who, observing his bees entering a crack in a rock, opened an opening in the rock searching for water. Thus he found himself before this unique wonder of nature. Since then, he and his descendants used to enter the cave and draw water from a small basin. In 1958, seeing photographs of another cave, Stivaktas understood its importance and made it known to his fellow villagers. Thus the effort to develop it began and the cave became more widely known.
Kastania Cave covers 1,500 sq.m. and is divided into two levels, while the visitor follows a 500 m route. Rare formations such as discs, flat stalagmites, eccentrics and helictites have their special place in the cave and are important highlights of the guided tour.
In the forecourt of the cave a refreshment kiosk operates and there is a car parking area. A short distance away stands the old chapel of Saint Andrew, with frescoes dating to the last quarter of the 14th century.
On the website of Kastania Cave you will find information regarding opening hours and guided tours.
