Patsos Gorge, Natural park in Rethymnon, Greece
Patsos Gorge is a natural park that winds through limestone formations with vertical cliff walls reaching up to 100 meters high. The valley contains thick vegetation and requires passage through sections secured by ropes and ladders.
In ancient times, inhabitants built a sanctuary dedicated to the god Hermes within the gorge, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. These findings document the site's early religious significance and connection to classical worship.
The cave church of Saint Anthony serves as a place where visitors leave crutches and prayer papers as personal acts of devotion. This practice reveals how the site remains a spiritual destination for those seeking solace.
Walking through the entire gorge takes about three hours round trip and requires sturdy hiking footwear with good grip. The route is physically demanding and caution is necessary, especially at sections with ropes and ladders.
The gorge harbors more than 80 plant species and over 20 animal species within a densely wooded landscape of plane and carob trees. This variety of life forms a natural garden setting rare to find within such rocky terrain.
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