- Region
- Mylopotamos, Rethymno
- Distance
- About 25 km east of Rethymno
- History
- Ancient cult cave; 1824 tragedy
- Visit
- About 30–45 minutes inside
What happened
In October 1823, around 370 women and children and 30 armed men hid in the cave from the Ottoman commander Hussein Bey. He besieged them and, after they refused to surrender, his forces lit fires at the entrance. All inside died, in January 1824. The bones of the victims rest in an ossuary in the main hall.
The cave
Past the arched entrance you descend into a large hall, then through chambers with stalactites and stalagmites, including the Room of Heroes, the Mnemion and the Pashley Room. In ancient times the cave was a place of worship; some finds are in the Rethymno archaeological museum.
Visiting
The descent has steps and can be damp; wear shoes with grip. Check opening times locally, as they vary by season.
Combine it with
Melidoni village has a quiet square and olive groves. Panormo and its beaches are about 5 km away.
Questions before you go
What happened in Melidoni cave?
In 1824 about 400 villagers sheltering inside died when Ottoman forces lit fires at the entrance.
Is Melidoni cave worth visiting?
Yes, for both its formations and its history; allow under an hour inside.
How far is Melidoni cave from Rethymno?
About 25 km east.
