Paeania Cave: Breathtaking grotto on Mt Hymettus

info: ekathimerini

Paeania Cave (also known as Koutouki Cave) is located on the eastern side of Mount Hymettus, in eastern Attica, 510 meters above sea level and just a short distance from the Attiki Odos ring road toward Athens International Airport. The location, near Paeania, provides a great view of the Mesogeia Plain.

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The cave is 2 million years old, comprising a precipice sinking 38 meters into the ground with ascending and descending corridors extending for 350 meters. The huge central chamber, measuring about 60x60 meters, is richly decorated with stalagmites and stalactites and pillars that create an imposing image. The temperature remains steady at 17 degrees Celsius (63F) throughout the year.

The cave was accidentally discovered in 1928 when a goat fell into its only narrow natural opening in the mountain slope. A tunnel was dug into the rock to allow access. The current maintenance program includes the replacement of lighting installations that have caused green growth on the interior surfaces.

The cave can be reached on foot in about two-and-a-half hours from the Kaisariani Monastery, on the western side of Mt Hymettus, some 7 km from the city center. For a rewarding walk, follow the dirt road starting from the ravine below the monastery in a northerly direction until the city proper is out of sight and then continue eastward.

Paeania Cave (tel 210.664.2910   is open Mondays-Fridays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. - 2.30 p.m.

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