Milatos Cave

Situated in the Lassithi Prefecture, just 3 km from the village of Milatos, the Cave of Milatos holds a poignant place in local history, despite its scarcity of stalactites and stalagmites. This site is notably remembered for the tragic loss of approximately 3,600 individuals who were massacred by Ottoman forces in February 1823, amid the fervor of the Greek Revolution.

This period marked a significant uprising against Ottoman domination, with Crete joining the Greeks in their quest for liberation. The Ottoman response was harsh, aimed at quelling the insurrection through widespread violence and destruction.

In a desperate bid for safety, the inhabitants of Milatos sought refuge within the cave, with men guarding the entrance while surrounded by Ottoman forces, effectively trapping them. After enduring two weeks of starvation and dehydration from February 3rd to the 15th, the besieged Greeks made a valiant attempt to break free and confront their adversaries, leading to a tragic outcome where many were slain, including 18 priests who were burned alive. The few who survived were sold into slavery in Egypt.

In memory of this somber event, a small chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas was erected inside the cave in 1935, alongside a memorial containing the remains of those who perished. An annual memorial service is held in the cave to honor their memory.

The cave itself is expansive, covering 2,100 sq.m., with dimensions of 73 meters in length and 63 meters in width, featuring eight entrances and varying heights between one and three meters. Archaeological evidence within the cave suggests it was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. Visitors can reach the cave by parking in the valley below and following a narrow, 200-meter-long path that winds through a gorge.