07.08.2013
Пещерой Зевса принято называть систему,consisting of several caves, in one of which, according to Greek mythology, born the supreme god Zeus. Such caves on Crete two: Dikteon Andron and Ideon Andron.
It’s about the first cave Dikteon Andron (Dikteyskaya cave). She has much more convenient location in terms of transport accessibility and reach.
Located in eastern Crete, it towers to 2148 meters above sea level. Her slopes truly justify all expectations of tourists eager for vivid impressions and memorable pictures.
According to an existing legend, fertility goddess Rhea hid his infant son Zeus in a deep cave in mount Dikti. Rei’s husband Kron was afraid that his own heirs would rebel against him, therefore swallowed them. Firstborn Ray and Krona and befell this cruel fate, and the goddess decided to save the life of their last child Listening to the advice of her parents, Gays and Uranus, she disappeared into A secluded cave in Crete, where she gave birth to the future of the Thunderer. BUT instead of a born baby, she handed a desperate husband a heavy stone, wrapped in a diaper. Kron swallowed this stone, not noticing substitutions. Years passed, little Zeus grew up. Mountain nymphs fed his sweet milk of the divine goat, and the bees brought honey, which was collected on the flowering slopes of Mount Dikti. When baby cried, his faithful guards, young kurety, struck barely audible in a shield with a sword so that Kron will not hear the voice of his son.
Today, tourists actively use the trails leading to the dictatorial cave located on the northern slope of Dikti. Cave entrance not too grandiose, rather inconspicuous. But inner beauty and the greatness of the centuries-old cradle of mythology is amazing. Vertical giants stalagmites and stalactites hang on the walls, creating fantastic art compositions.
For millennia majestic stone icicles grew, filling up drop by drop, and as if eternity froze in their massive forms. On the very bottom of the cave rumbles icy lake, the final image of a fabulous the cloister. Archaeologists have repeatedly found bronze figurines here, gold jewelry and even weapons. In the Minoan era, Dikteon Cave Andron (Dikteyskaya cave) was a real cult place. Now tourists from all over the world are thrown into the icy abyss of a coin in order to again come here.
To get to the cave, you have to go down and climb cross country on foot, so you should wear comfortable shoes. In addition, as in any cave, it is quite slippery here. Those who does not share the passion for walking, a different way will do movement – on donkeys. Price lifting will be 15 – 20 euros.
You can take pictures in the cave of Zeus, but without a flash. Here good enough lighting, so there is no need for it. Every day this picturesque place is visited by many tourists, getting a lot of positive emotions and pleasant impressions.
Admission price: 4 euros, children – for free. Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00
How to get there (map)
Photo: Dmitry Zharikov
