GREECE CENTRAL GREECE FOKIS KORYKIAN CAVE

From Arachova, 12 km east of Delphi, the road up to the Parnassos mojntain passes through Kalivia, from where you reach the ancient cult place of the Korykian Cave (Corycian Cave) by foot. The access from Delphi leads past the Phaedriades through a beautiful landscape, but involves a strenuous walk of 3 - 5 hours.

Behind a low arched entrance lies the main room (ca. 60 x 30 m) of the cave, connecting to many smaller ones (the modern Greek name is Saranta Avli, "Forty Rooms"). In the faint light from the entrance, stalactites, pink and greenish walls can be seen.

The cave, lying at an altitude of 1400 m below the Liakura peak, was sacred to Pan and the Nymphs. It was also the place of Dionysian orgies in wintertime, when Dionysos reigned Delphi and the Parnassos.