Landmark· Folegandros· Greece — Cyclades
Chrysospilia Cave (Folegandros)
36° 38.0′ N · 24° 55.8′ E
The 'Golden Cave', high in the north-east cliffs below Chora. Its walls carry about 400 ancient names, mostly of 4th-century BC youths from all over Greece, probably left as part of a coming-of-age ritual. Inside are stalactites and Roman cisterns.
Practical
Position from folegandros.gr. Visiting is not permitted, from land or sea: folegandros.gr states that 'the visit is not allowed' because research is incomplete and there is no safe access. The cave is about 30 m above the sea, 300 m long, with two chambers joined by a corridor. It is reached by ancient 'Greek steps' that are dangerous in north winds. Seeing it from a boat in calm weather is fine, but do not land or climb. Not to be confused with the Chrysospilia café in Ano Meria.
Best for
Viewing a unique ancient site from the water
Nearby
- Mediterranean Monk Seal Caves (Folegandros)0.2 NM away
- Panagia Church Path (Folegandros)0.3 NM away
- Pounta (Chora, Folegandros)0.5 NM away
- Araxe (Chora, Folegandros)0.6 NM away
- Atopa Supermarket (Chora, Folegandros)0.6 NM away
- Barbounaki (Chora, Folegandros)0.6 NM away
- Folegandros Chora Tavernas0.6 NM away
- Folegandros Fuel & Water0.6 NM away