Geology - Paleontology
The cave extends over a 300 meter route where the visitor can admire an impressive wealth of stalactites and stalagmites. The temperature inside the cave is kept constant throughout the year, between 16 – 18 ⁰C, while the humidity amounts to 90 %. In order to properly replenish the air, no more than 12 people are allowed to be inside the cave at the same time.
No trace of human presence has been found while certain paleontological remains have been identified mainly the bones of a bear in the caves, aged about 10,000 years. This species lived in Europe during the Pleistocene and later became extinct. The male animals weighed up to half a ton while the females weighed 200-250 kg. Their height reached 3 meters in a standing position! The fossil remains are found almost exclusively in caves, where they probably lived for a longer period of time, unlike the brown bear which used caves only during hibernation.
Inside the cave are formed 7 small underground lakes and it is the only cave in Greece with freshwater lakes. It has 10 rooms (the largest with dimensions of 45×17m), 3 bridges (one floating) and 5 tunnels . As the cave continues, visitors exit through an artificial passage that leads to a corridor, which also serves as an exhibition space. There, the visitor can, through a rich information material, be informed about the construction phases and also observe a collection of various photographs of the findings.
It is worth noting that the works and adjustments made in the cave were carried out with respect for the environment and with the application ktake necessary measure to avoid any interference with the natural interior decoration of the cave.
