The Small Labyrinth Cave in South Crete
The Small Labyrinth Cave, also known as the Labyrinthaki Cave, is a small ancient quarry located 50 kilometers south of Heraklion, on a small hill between the villages of Plouti and Moroni. It is named to distinguish it from the much larger Labyrinth Cave, which is located on the south side of the same hill. The Small Labyrinth Cave is approximately 300 square meters in size and has a maximum height of 4 meters. It is supported by numerous columns.
The cave was used in ancient times as a quarry for the extraction of stone, which was used to build the Minoan palace of Phaistos, the Minoan villa of Agia Triada, the Roman city of Gortys, and other smaller towns. There is no connection between the two caves.
According to local tradition, the Small Labyrinth Cave is connected to the Labyrinth Cave by a series of secret passages. This is possible, given the close proximity of the two caves and the fact that there are large sections of both caves that have been blocked off by rockfalls. The Small Labyrinth Cave, with a total depth of 120 meters, is a miniature version of the Labyrinth Cave in terms of its morphological characteristics and the way it was formed.
Here are some additional details about the Small Labyrinth Cave:
- Location: 50 kilometers south of Heraklion, on a small hill between the villages of Plouti and Moroni
- Size: Approximately 300 square meters
- Maximum height: 4 meters
- Features: Numerous columns, labyrinthine passages
- History: Used as an ancient quarry
- Local tradition: Connected to the Labyrinth Cave by secret passages
The Small Labyrinth Cave is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or speleology. It is a relatively easy cave to explore, and there are no guided tours required. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of exploring caves, such as falling rocks and getting lost. It is also important to respect the cave environment and leave no trace of your visit.
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