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Dikteon Andron

Dikteon Andron (or Dikteon Cave or Dictaean Cave or Psychro Cave) is one of the most important and famous of the 3,000 caves in Crete. It is found in the dominant Mount Dicte range of the Lassithi plateau in East Crete and lies at an altitude of 1025 m. on its northern slopes. The distance from Agios Nikolaos is 48 Km.

 

 

Dikteon Andron is located very close to the village of Psychro, which is why it is also known as Psychro Cave. The road is winding and uphil and a few traditional tavernas for coffee or Cretan food are located on the way and also in the parking area where the ascending paved path surrounded with oak trees which leads to the entrance begins. Donkeys are also available to rent - not throughout the year - and ride you up to cave's entrance.

The panoramic view of the whole plateau from the top is simply breathtaking and the fresh air is enriched with all the natural aromas arising from the mountain's vegetation. It certainly worths a couple of minutes stop, before you enter into...

..Dikteon Andron, the cave where the Father of the Gods of Olympus - Zeus was born according to Greek mythology. Dikteon Andron was dedicated to the worship of Zeus in antiquity, indicated by the many offerings found there. The cave, is rich in impressive stalagmites and stalactites and the whole atmosphere is more than awe-inspiring. It consists of five chambers and at its lowest point there is a lake surrounded by huge stalactites and stalagmites. At the back of the lake it is visible a small chamber in which it is said that God Zeus was born.

 

 

 

 

Published in Lassithi Area