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Melidoni Cave (15km)
The Cave of Melidoni is located about 1,800 meters northwest of the village and is of interest because of its archaeological findings, some of which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The cave of Melidoni is also called “Gerontospilios”. It was one of the most important cult caves, since in the Minoan era the Bronze Giant of Crete, Talos, was worshipped in the cave, who had undertaken, according to mythology, the safety and protection of the island from enemies.
It is of great importance from an archaeological and historical point of view, since the cave of Melidoni was a refuge for 370 women and children and 30 warriors, to avoid the Turkish yoke in October 1823. Historical facts report that Hussein Beis, when he learned of this hiding place, surrounded the cave, with his army, and asked the Cretans to surrender.
They refused, of course, because they knew very well what awaited them. So, the Turks after a three-month siege threw flammable materials from the opening of the top of the cave and set fire to it. Women and children and warriors left their last breath in this wet cave in January 1824. In the central hall of the cave there is an ossuary, with the bones of the heroes, which seals the drama of the cave of Melidoni.
