ANTIPAROS CAVE
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Unique cave used as a shelter in the Neolithic period.
Treat yourself to 400 steps and 100 metres underground to descend into the bowels of this unique cave. Used as a shelter in the Neolithic period, it became a center for the cult of Artemis during the ancient period. The cave is a succession of chambers and passageways marked by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Access to the second chamber is guarded by Europe's oldest stalagmite (45 million years old), the gigantic Great Central Column or "Peloria Kentriki Kolona". Some of the stalactites and stalagmites are engraved with signatures or inscriptions. The story goes that on December 24, 1673, the cave was visited by the Marquis de Nointel, then French ambassador to Constantinople. He was so amazed by the natural beauty of a giant 8 m-high stalagmite that he had the priest accompanying him celebrate Christmas mass. To this day, the stalagmite is called "The Altar" in memory of this mass.
According to legend - which has since been widely contradicted - the names of those who conspired against Alexander the Great are engraved in this cave, where they once took refuge. Among the famous signatories who have affixed their names over the centuries are King Otto I of Greece and Queen Amalia. In the 18th century, some of the stalactites were detached and taken to the St. Petersburg museum by Russian officers. Others were destroyed by the Italians during the Second World War.
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