Andonis Katanos Art Collections

Cave of Pan and Nymphs

The Cave of Pan is situated on Mount Hymettos between Voula and Vari. To reach the cave one has to pass the cemetery of Ano Voula, at half kilometer leave the car on the right side of the dirt road and walk about 600 Meters. The entrance to the cave is at ground level, literally under our feet, and that is why it is difficult to locate. The entrance is covered with an iron grill to keep away the vandals. Few visitors adhere to take nothing but pictures, as a result, the cave today is in a dreary condition, the stalactites are all taken, only the big ones that can not be broken are left. My last information is, to visit the site a permit is required from the Archaeological Department. The cavern is separated in two sections. The first cavity is blackened from the fires the shepherds burned during the winter. I label this cavity-room Christian because in a corner we find present-day icons of the Christian saints. In order to descend to the second cavity, one has to use the ancient steps that lead downhill. These steps were carved out by Archedemos. The decapitated statue of the goddess silently dominates the Nymphaio in a mystical way as if she wants us to stop profaning the Mother Earth. The cave has been excavated by the American Archaeological School in 1902. The findings, such as earthen oil lamps, and the inscriptions are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Athens. Lord Byron has visited the cave. According to the information provided by Aelian and Olympiodoros, the family of the great philosopher Plato took him to the cave of Nympholyptou in order to acquire the favor of the Nymphs. Many ancient beliefs and traditions were incorporated into Christian and folk culture. The curative spring water became the holy water, the offerings for the minor gods and goddesses were replaced by the Christian saints and the Nymphs became the fairies.