One of the top natural attractions in #Greece is located in exotic #Kefalonia island and is no other than the #Melissani lake cave!
An exciting #destination that will offer you a truly unforgettable #travel #experience during your #summer #vacation.
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We are located in Kefalonia, on the shores of the #Ionian #Sea. Three kilometers west of #Sami port lies an underground #miracle of #nature that you have never seen before.
At the end of the video you can find detailed maps of the area.
The #cave took its current form when part of its roof collapsed. The entrance is made by stairs and a long underground corridor, which allows the #visitor to see up close the rare beauty of the cave and to be dazzled by the amazing decoration with #stalactites. Beautiful crystal clear waters in all shades of #blue! It is said that the waters of the cave come from neighboring springs but mainly from the #sinkholes of #Argostoli 30 km away. A spot that is swallowing sea water… The difference in temperature of the atmospheric air with the cold water causes the formation of a thin layer of fog that is impressive!
At midday, the #rays of #light that flood the cave are so bright and intense that you have the feeling that you will be radiated in a parallel #magical #universe where you will witness untold fascinating stories of the past and the well-hidden #secrets of Melissani.
As the sun sets, golden yellow and red beams #bathe the walls of the cave creating a unique setting, while countless stalactites shimmer around you and take your breath away, taking you to another magical world.
The lake cave of Melissani was known since antiquity as the "Cave of the #Nymphs". In this imposing place the god Faunus and the Nymphs were worshiped.
One of them was called #Melissanthi and when the rural deity refused her love call, she fell and drowned in the clear blue #waters of the #lake.
If you are lucky you can still recognize their figures between the play of bright light with shadows and stalactites.
Visitors board the #boats safely, to take a magnificent #tour. The water is so clear that the boats seem to be floating in the air. The stories the boatman shares are often really fun. An amazing moment on your summer vacation!
The lake is located at a depth of 20 meters, below the ground surface, and its waters have a depth that varies from ten to thirty meters. Inside the lake there is a small #island.
During archeological excavations, several relics and idols depicting #Faunus and many nymphs were discovered.
What your eyes saw in this video and what you will experience uniquely when you visit the lake, will manage to captivate you and then you set yourself free again! In Kefalonia there is so much beauty and energy that your batteries will be fully charged. And you will breathe carefree, without stress, sorrows or thoughts.
Paradise on earth has a name and is located in Greece.
Fascinating Melissani Lake is one of the most beautiful sites on Kefalonia. Situated in a cave, it was researched in 1951 by the well-known speleologists Anna Petrochilou and her husband Yiannis who entered the cave with ropes through the cave’s opening above the lake. At that occasion, they found an oil lamp on the small islet which separates the cave into two parts.
God Pan at Melissani
When the archaeologist Marinatos excavated the islet in 1962 he found several artefacts from the 4th and 3rd century BC which suggest that this islet was a place of worship, dedicated to the god Pan and the nymphs. Among other finds, there is a figurine of god Pan as well as a clay plate, showing dancing nymphs.
In mythology nymphs are minor goddesses, associated with nature; with forests, mountains, grottos and most of all water: rivers, lakes, springs and the sea. They are depicted as beautiful, young women being companions of the gods. So it is not surprising that according to local legend a nymph called Melissanthe committed suicide in the lake when god Pan rejected her love for him.
Part of the cave’s roof collapsed a few thousand years ago due to an earthquake. The daylight falls through this opening, showing the colour of the lake in its deep blue. As soon as the sun stands high above the lake, the sunrays lighten up the crystal clear water to an unreal bright turquoise. So the best time to visit Melissani is around noon. The water is so clear that you can see the ground even at its highest depth of 30 metres. Keep an eye out for eels in the lake.
In 1963 a short tunnel was created to give visitors access to the lake. Rowing boats are waiting for you when you reach the lake at the end of the tunnel.
19 сен 2024
