CHRISSOSPILIA CELLAR

At the time of our last survey, this cellar was still closed to the visit because of archaeological research work in progress. If it is not yet certain that the cellar will reopen, its history remains fascinating. Carved in the cliff that dominates the church of Panaghia, at about 30 meters from the sea level, the cellar of Chrissospilia is of extremely difficult and dangerous access. To get there, you have to abseil down a cliff beaten by the winds for a few hundred meters, or climb 30 meters from the sea, arriving by boat. Either way, the secrets of this cellar are well guarded by the elements!

Because the cave of Chrissospilia remains an enigma for the researchers. From a speleological point of view, the cave is made of two chambers linked together by a narrow passage. The ceiling of the second chamber is studded with impressive stalactites. But the cave is also of archaeological interest: Roman cisterns have been found in the first chamber and everywhere the walls are covered with about 400 names of young men, signatures dated from the ^4th century BC. According to archaeologists, the cellar would have been used for the rite of passage to adulthood of these young teenagers from all over Greece, and especially from Athens. The dangerous access would have been a test for them to show their bravery and physical strength. Inside the cellar, rituals and orgies would have sanctioned their entry into adult life.