This cave is located 1 km east of the village Kapsodasos at an altitude of 296m. It is one of the most beautiful caves of Chania, with beautiful decor and great archaeological value. The cave was known to locals, but officially discovered in 1963, following the guidance of Aristotle Foukarakis, who was a teacher in Patsianos, where he investigated superficially. The research has brought to light pottery finds, as proof that the cave was used as a sanctuary in the Hellenistic period and the early Roman. Two of the types of artifacts, the 'arytaines' (ladles) and polymyxoi lamps (lamps) are rare or unique. Also the findings were analyzes that contributed significantly to the interpretation of ceramics. The worship in caves are little known in Crete.
Caves
Of the 1,400 known caves in the area of Chania, 260 are located in Sfakia. Many of them are on the slopes of Sfakia the White Mountains and the area of Agia Roumeli is the first number, with sixty-two caves and potholes. Of these, few have explored, while most expect cavers who will bring to light the secrets. Most were shelters and hideouts of local residents, in all historical periods. There are also still unexplored underwater caverns. Visited at the moment is 'Agiasmatsi', east of the village Kapsodasos and 'Daskalogianni', west of Sfakia. From potholes, more than 125 are located in the Castle Peak Askyfou and other Evil Castelli. The most profound so far, is the chasm 'Praline', where 2008 Greek-mission reached 628m. Let's look at the most important caves.
In Sfakia. During the revolution of Daskalogianni operated as mint. The approach is by boat.
In the area of St. John of the White Mountains. Has a length of one kilometer while inside there is fine white sand and water. It is an underground river that empties the summer of water and can be visited. Been explored in depth 1750 meters and has been mapped by cavers. Up to 400 meters can be visited any long as it has good lens and helmet from the 400 meters and then need special equipment and expertise. To reach someone over there must traverse 6 km dirt road from St. John as a percussionist and after an hour of walking.
In this cave of Sfakia is the oldest traces of habitation of Crete, namely to 'Skordolakia' mountain village of Asfendou. The cave is located on a steep slope near the road from Asfendou to Kallikratis. Basically consists of one room, which was previously larger. This small cave has immense archaeological importance as 1960 engraved Paleolithic cave paintings were discovered on the floor near the entrance on a sinter plate. It seems certain from the theme and how to etch that rock paintings included in prehistoric times, and more particularly belong to the Neolithic and architecture dating from about 7500 to 8500 years, making them the oldest trace of habitation on the island. There are figurative carvings, depicting deer or antelope, Bow and arrow, spear, spear, ship and twig. There are also abstract carvings, linear and tectonic, and others made from small engraved dots.
These rock paintings showing the existence hunters in Sfakia mountains, who were either older than the Neolithic, or survived in Neolithic times, isolated, continuing a tradition thousands of years