Cave of Melidoni, Archaeological cave site in Melidoni Rethymni, Greece

Cave of Melidoni, also called Gerontospilios, lies about 1,800 metres from the village of Melidoni at 220 metres elevation, 28 km east of Rethymno. Its central Hall of Heroes measures 44 by 55 metres and rises 10 to 25 metres among stalactites and stalagmites. Two branches leave the hall: a 30-metre passage to the east and a shorter one north ending at the Petrochilos abyss.

Excavations found Late Neolithic tools in the cave in 1928. In the Middle Minoan period (2100–1600 BC) it held a sanctuary of a female deity, and a bronze axe from that era was found in 1940. It later became a cult site of Talos and of Talosian Hermes, then of Mercury in Roman times, standing between the ancient cities of Axos, Eleftherna and Grivilon. In 1823–24 some 370 villagers, mostly women and children, died inside during the Ottoman siege.

The cave's local name Gerontospilos means "cave of the old man." A church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary stands before the entrance, built in honour of the victims of 1824. Inside, the central Hall of Heroes, 44 by 55 metres, holds a small ossuary among the stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave is easily accessible and straightforward to visit, with well-marked paths that require no special experience. Wear comfortable shoes since the floor can be uneven and temperatures inside are cool.

The central Hall of Heroes measures 44 by 55 metres, rising 10 to 25 metres high, and holds a small ossuary of those who died in 1824 among the stalactites and stalagmites. Two branches leave the hall: the longer runs 30 metres east, the shorter goes north and ends at the Petrochilos abyss.