Katafyki Cave

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Katafyki Cave

In the village of Dryopida, is the Katafyki Cave, one of the most important attractions of Kythnos. Guests report that it is simply stunning and definitely worth a visit. The cave has two names, Katafyki and Georgios Martinos. The first name, which means shelter, is because earlier the residents used it as a hideout in the case of hostile attacks, first from pirates, then from Franks and Turks. The second name is after the famous Kythnian geologist Georgios Martinos, who devoted his life to the study and exploration of the cave. The cave is situated at the edge of Dryopida at an altitude of 190 meters and has a constant temperature of 17°C throughout the year. The length of the mapped natural cave is just over 600 meters, covering an area of approximately 3,500 sq.m.

The cave consists of several tunnels, some natural, others artificial. The natural tunnels were formed by water and the artificial ones were created for the transportation of ore during the early 20th century. The strong presence of iron ore, induced locals and foreign mining companies for years. Despite the damage it has suffered due to the continuous human presence, it still has some magnificent chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites in various volumes and shapes. In recent years a major effort by local authorities has been carried out for the development and tourist exploitation of the cave. Despite the fact that only a small part of the cave is open to visitors, it is a very interesting place to visit.

From the entrance a staircase leads to the "Little Piazza", followed by a larger hall, called the Great Piazza. Great Piazza is the place where the villagers used to make their Easter festivals with the lighting of fires that illuminated the interior of the cave. To the right there are some natural narrow tunnels, one meter wide with majestic towering vertical walls. From here a corridor leads upwards into the Stalaktite Chamber, which is 25 m long and 17 m wide. Here, there is a series of stalactites and stalagmites, named after their shape and probably this is the most beautiful part of the cave. A little further is a labyrinthine gallery and a particularly dangerous deep chasm. Almost 20 meters upward, you come across “Gournaki”, a natural pond with water dripping for thousands of years, creating a unique spectacle. Finally, following the central route to the northern end, is a large artificial gallery with remains of iron mining, including tools and trolley wagons for the transportation of ore to the Kinidos region.