Nearby the village Patsos (Rethimno Prefecture), two caves lie hidden in the mountain region of Sorσs within a romantic, small canyon (Patsos Gorge).

It’s suspected that Patsos stands on the foundations of an ancient site. The village Patsos is to be reached via the main connection from Rethymno to the South. Shortly before the town Spili, it is then left towards Patsos, and from there (follow the signs) around 2 miles to a small parking lot, the starting point of well marked hiking trail.

The cave also represents a place of dedication as has been proved by archaeological research. It was used as an important centre of worship from the Late Minoan up until the Roman period. An inscription that was found in the cave testifies that Hermes Kraneos was worshipped here. The church in the interior of the cave is dedicated to Agios Antonios, the patron of the children. The cave is open to visitors.

There is a second, much smaller karst cave, called Fournare, 300 m north on the opposite side of the Gorge. Systematic excavations haven’t been done so far in any of the two caves, although objects from the Minoan, Greek and Roman period have been found again and again. See following pictures with further short descriptions.

Agios Antonios Cave, Rethimno Agios Antonios Cave, Rethimno Patsos Village Patsos Village Patsos Village Patsos Village Patsos Village Patsos Village Patsos Village

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