Idaion Andron Cave

Set on the west side of Nida plateau on the mountain of Psiloritis and at an altitude of 1500 meters. Also referred to as the cave of the shepherdess. According to one of the versions of the myth of the genesis of Zeus, this is one of the caves claiming to be the cave of where goddess Rea gave birth to Zeus. The first excavation took place in 1884 with the other to follow in 1917, 1956 and 1982-86. A place of worship of the young Minoan God of Vegetation that follows the cult of the Cretan born Zeus and continues uninterrupted until the end of antiquity (5th century AD). Inside the cave a multitude of finds were discovered: figurines objects made out of ivory, gold, silver, seals, a lot of ceramics and the notorious copper shields and drums that today can be found in the Archeological Museum of Heraklion. One of the shields depicts an eagle grabbing a sphinx with his nails while serpents and lions are complementing the shield’s decoration. In the other shield, scenes of a battle are depicted. This is also the cave, according to the Greek Mythology, that was visited by King Minos to receive the laws and commands from his father Zeus to govern his island wisely, admired by Plato and Aristotle.

Map

Other Travel Guides

{tguide_phototitle_en}

Vathypetro in Archanes

​Vathypetro the place where a Minoan rural villa of the 16th century b.C. was brought to light.

More
{tguide_phototitle_en}

Zaros

The mountainous village of Zaros, 45 km off Heraklion, is known for its water springs amongst others.

More
{tguide_phototitle_en}

Arolithos

Arolithos the traditional Cretan village is a thematic and multiuse park. Its philosophy is based on the Cretan culture & traditions.

More
{tguide_phototitle_en}

Thrapsano village

Located in a distance of 30 km from the city of Heraklion – it is the biggest pottery center in Crete.

More
{tguide_phototitle_en}

Aptera

The site is set on the hill of Palaicastro, at a distance of 15 km from the city of Chania.

More
Experiences
We know best
Follow us
Ακολουθήστε μας στις σελίδες κοινωνικής δικτύωσης και μάθετε πρώτοι τα νέα μας
Contact us

Heraklion, Crete, Andreadaki 13-15
Heraklion, 712 01, Greece
Tel.: +30 2810-342222
Fax: +30 2810-342212
e-mail: touristguidesofcrete@gmail.com
ΜΗ.Τ.Ε. 1039 Ε 6061 01849 01

Newsletter
Εγγραφείτε για να λαμβάνετε πρώτη τις εξαιρετικές προσφορές μας και τα νέα της εταιρίας