GREECE MACEDONIA CHALKIDIKI KALLITHEA

Next we come to the cave and sanctuary of Dionysos. Accordings to the finds of the area the worship of Dionysos - and probably of the Nymphs as well - started in the second half of the 8th century B.C. in the area around the cave and the water springs which existed in antiquity. No altar or other cult building was discovered. Perhaps they were located on a higher terrace or the god was worshipped inside the cave.

A stone staircase leading to a higher terrace, and a big built stone pipe in continuation of the cave, which brought water to a fountain house, were built in the 4th century B.C. (photo above right). Only parts of this building and of the pipe have survived. - A reorganization of the area took place in the Roman Imperial Period (2nd - 3rd centuries A.D.): the fountain house was destroyed and at least one cistern was built supplying the neighboring bath with water.

In late antiquity, after the abandonment of the sanctuary, a water-mill was built (4th - 5th century A.D.). Its water-wheel moved a horizontal millstone, which carried out the grinding process. Also an auxiliary small building was built near the old fountain house in this period.

Below left: The entrance to the cave of Dionysos.