Σπηλια ιλλιθιας

Spilia Illithias - Cave of Ilithias - Cave of Illithia - Cave of Eileithyia

Neraidhóspilios - Cave of the Fairies - Cave of the Nereids

Useful Information

Location:	1km south of Amnissos. From the road Herakleion to Agios Nikolaos, right before Amnissos turn right on road towards Episkopi
Open:	Closed by gate. Request key in nearby village.
Fee:
Classification:	Karst cave.
Light:	none, bring electric torch.
Dimension:	L=60m, W=12m.
Guided tours:
Bibliography:	Anna Kofou (1990): Kreta - Sämtliche Museen und archäologischen Stätten, Herder-Verlag, Freiburg im Breisgau 1990, S. 170f. With a detailed cave description, photographs and survey. ()
Address:
Last update:	$Date: 2008/07/01 20:24:27 $

History


1886		re-discovered by Chatzidakis.
1929		excavations by Marinatos.

Description

The Cave of Ilithia was the main place of worship of Ilithia, the goddess of birth. It is mentioned by Homer. In the centre of the cave is a remarkable rectangular altar surrounded by two cylindrical stalagmites which have human shape.

As excavations indicate, the cave served as a place of worship from the Neolithic Period to the 5th century BC. The excavations uncovered idols of women in the act of giving birth, nursing or praying, figures of animals, Neolithic shells and tools.

The cave was forgotten may centuries, and re-discovered in the late nineteenth century. The locals call it Neraidospilios (the cave of the Nereides/fairies).

This is a real show cave, with parking lot and paths inside, but it seems there were too few visitors. There are no regular open hours any more, but the cave may be visited by requesting the key in the nearby village.