Milatos cave, Archaeological cave site near Milatos village, Crete, Greece.
Milatos cave is a large limestone system located north of Milatos village in Crete with multiple entrances and interior spaces divided by natural columns and rock formations. The passages spread across different levels and create a maze-like network of chambers that remains partially unexplored and difficult to access without proper lighting.
The cave system was used for shelter during various periods of Cretan history, but gained historical prominence during a major conflict in the early 1800s. People who took refuge inside during a military siege left behind traces that are now commemorated within the site.
A small memorial chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas stands inside the cave, built to honor those who sought refuge here centuries ago. The space today serves as a place of remembrance where visitors pause to reflect on the site's past.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp since most of the cave is dark and interior details are only visible with artificial light. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and move carefully, as the ground is uneven and can be slippery in places.
The cave's interior is filled with countless natural pillars and columns that formed over millennia, creating a maze-like appearance that confuses visitors navigating the space. These formations make the cave feel larger and more complex than expected, with routes between them appearing deceptively similar.
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