Cave of the Lakes, Show cave and archaeological site in Kastria, Greece

The Cave of the Lakes, formerly called Troupisio, is an old subterranean river near Kastria with three levels. Its explored length is 500 m of a total 1,980 m, and visitors enter through an artificial tunnel that leads straight into the second level. Along the 2 km route, 13 stepped lakes at different heights are separated by barriers of stalactite material, crossed on raised artificial bridges.

The cave was used by humans from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, as the archaeological record shows. On its lower level, fossilised bones of humans and of various animals, including hippopotamus, have been identified. This lower section is intended as a biospeleological laboratory of international standing.

The cave was formerly called Troupisio and is mentioned in the writings of the ancient traveller Pausanias. Greek legend holds that here the seer Melampus cured Lysippe and Iphianassa, two of the three daughters of Proetus, king of Tiryns; the third, Iphinoe, had died on the way.

Visitors enter through an artificial tunnel that leads directly to the cave's second level, one of three. The lakes are crossed on raised artificial bridges along a developed route of about 500 m, while the cave's total length is 1,980 m. The lower level, where fossilized human and animal bones were found, is reserved as a biospeleological laboratory and is not part of the visit.

The site transforms dramatically with the seasons: in winter, melting snow creates an underground river system complete with waterfalls flowing through the chambers. In summer, the same water settles into 13 separate still lakes, revealing a completely different landscape.