Great Labyrinth Cave, Underground cave system in Crete, Greece.
The Great Labyrinth Cave features an extensive network of interconnected tunnels and chambers extending over 2.5 kilometers beneath the Heraklion Prefecture of Crete.
Originally exploited as a quarry providing stones for Minoan structures like the palace at Phaestus, the cave was later used as a German ammunition depot during World War II until its entrances were destroyed in 1944.
Local legends connect this cave system to the mythological labyrinth of King Minos and the Minotaur, with some researchers believing it inspired the ancient Greek tales of Theseus navigating the maze.
Access to the main cave is currently prohibited due to safety concerns and unexploded ordnance, though visitors can explore the smaller adjacent Labyrinthaki Cave with proper guidance.
The cave once served as a bat guano harvesting site for centuries, with the fertilizer being collected by local residents before the tunnels became a military storage facility.
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