The stalactites of Kapsia Cave

A complex system of swallow-holes on the lush Mantineia range has created a stunning cave in a spot called Kapsia. It is easy to locate by driving around 1.5 kilometres north from the village of the same name. This impressive cavern, which was discovered in 1887 by French archaeologist Gustave Fougere, has been listed among the top ten of Greece’s most important caves. Multicoloured stalagmites and stalactites compose a unique and impressive canvas that is reflected on the surface of the small ponds inside the cave. The path into the bowels of the cave is 330 metres long and very pleasant thanks to the wonderful job that has been done lighting the area and the demarcation of walkways. Take a few moments in the Grand Salle des Merveiles (or Grand Hall of Miracles), as it has been dubbed. Take in the rich palette of colours: purples, reds, blues, greens, yellows and oranges set off by the pure white stalactites. You will see some of the rarest combinations of hues to be found in any cave in Greece, an explosion of colour that probably even had the ancients in awe. The remains of humans and oil lamps have been found in the cave, and probably date from the Hellenistic period.

Video by: Chris Giatrakos