one of the biggest historical caves in Crete Melidoni

The Cave of Melidoni also known as Gerontospilios, is a cave north of the village of Melidoni in the municipality of Dimos. The cave is of archaeological and historical interest, especially because of the events of the Greek War of Independence.

History
The objects found show that the cave was already inhabited in the Stone Age. In Minoan times the cave was used as a place to perform religious ceremonies. This is evident from the remains of pottery found. In addition, a labrys was also found. The bronze giant Talos is said to have been worshiped in the cave. Later, in Greek times, the cave served as a sanctuary for Hermes and Zeus.

Nineteenth century

The cave played an important role during the Greek War of Independence. Residents of Melidoni took part in resistance actions against the Turkish rulers and were therefore targets of revenge. When the then Turkish commander Hassan Pasha came to the village in 1822, the inhabitants (women, children and the elderly) hid in the cave, together with approximately 30 resistance fighters. The cave was easy to defend and the inhabitants felt safe there. After a few days the Pasha left again and the residents who fled could return to their homes.

After the death of Hassan Pasha, Hussein Pasha came to Melidoni. Once again the inhabitants of the village fled to the cave. The cave contained enough food to withstand a siege of six months. However, the cave was discovered, and Hussein Pasha demanded surrender. However, his call was not heeded, his messenger was shot, and the Turkish army attacked the cave. A battle ensued in which 24 Turkish soldiers were killed by bullets from the cave. Out of anger, Hussein closed the entrance to the cave with stones. However, the stones were removed every night. When it turned out that everyone in the cave was still alive, Hussein ordered the entrance to the cave to be sealed with flammable material and set on fire. All 370 inhabitants who had hidden in the cave died due to a lack of oxygen.