Cave of Antiparos Greece Island

I went in antiparos the summer of 2016 this is some details about this cave ..hope you like it..Theese are photos from my smartphone
Cave of Antiparos is one of the most beautiful and most important of the world. This is because, besides a magical natural attraction, it is closely connected with the history of the place and provokes great archaeological interest due to the findings of the stone age discovered inside it. The engraved inscriptions that "decorate" it is an inexhaustible source of stories, legends and information about its famous - and non - visitors - as a book of impressions, whose first page was written hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.

"Katafygi", as the locals call it, is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, which change form, depending on the inspiration of the visitor. It is located 171 meters above sea level, it is boring and its temperature in winter varies between 15 degrees Celsius. It has an area of ​​about 5,600 square meters. Its maximum depth reaches about 85 meters and the downhill can be easily and safely done through a 411-foot cement staircase. Exceptional visibility allows observation of the detail of the artist's nature and the search for the human presence from the time of the Parisian poet Archilochus (728 - 650 BC) until the twentieth century.

Description / Interior Configuration
Many centuries ago, the roof of the front section was demolished, resulting in the arched entrance of the cave. In the open and semi-open area created by the precipitation, two picturesque chapels were built, communicating with each other and being very dear to the Antiparissites and visitors. Agios Giannis Spiliotis and Zoodohos Pigi. Although the latter is smaller and older, the first has given its name to the entire Mount of Agios Giannis (or Mount Athos), but also to the cave itself, which many call it "Cave of Saint John".

The entrance of the cave is called "Anteroom" and consists of three levels. The first and highest, "Covered Square", is paved with concrete and benches are placed around. The second, the "Hidden Chamber", is separated from the first by a huge stalagmite, the oldest of Europe, with the name "Pelion Central Colon" and stalagmites, right and left, resembling statues. In the "Kolonna" they had long tied the ropes to descend to the main cave. The third level of the Anteroom extends with a kind of corridor, at the end of which a railing door leads to the interior of the cave. At this level, and at a height of about three meters from the floor, there is a small opening that reveals a chamber measuring 20x10 meters, known as "Crypt". Archaeological investigations in this area during 1974 - 75 revealed shells and human bones that are currently in the Museum of Paros. Passing through the railing door you are in the heart of the cave, which is divided into three "halls".

The first chamber or "Camel of the Stone Waterfalls" has dimensions of 17x27x10 meters and rich stalactite and stalagmite decoration. Its name took it from the magnificent and wonderful adornment to its right wall, where there are beautiful columns and stalactites like waterfalls.

The second room or "Chamber of the Cathedral" is 25 meters below the first. Its dimensions are 33x20x30 meters. This was where Christmas was held in 1673 by Marquis de Dualan and his escort. On the right there are all white stalagmites and hanging "chandeliers" on top. Further on is the formation that was aptly named "Black Waterfall" and opposite the series of stalagmites, of which the lowest is the famous "Holy Tomb". At one end of this room and one meter lower there is a smaller room with a beautiful stalagmite, the "umbrella". The room is called "Barathon Hall" because there is a hole of two meters in diameter and about 7 - 8 meters deep.

The third room, located at the lowest level, is called "Vassiliki", due to the visit of King Othon and Queen Amalia and the inscription that they have been engraved there. Its dimensions are 27x50x20 meters. It does not have a particularly impressive decoration, but it is impressive.

The cave is divided into the "Antelope" and three additional rooms, the "Camel of the Stone Waterfalls", "The Cathedral of the Cathedral" and the "Royal Hall".
The huge stalagmite at the entrance is forty-five million years old, the most ancient of Europe, and is called the "Pellorian Central Column".
The "Royal Hall" was baptized because of the visit of King Otto and Queen Amalia. It has no impressive decoration, but it is imposing.
The two picturesque churches that the visitor encounters at the entrance are St. John the Spiliotis and Zoodohos Pigi.