Church

Nearby the village Patsos (Rethimno Prefecture), two caves lie hidden in the mountain region of Sorσs within a romantic, small canyon (Patsos Gorge).

 

It’s suspected that Patsos stands on the foundations of an ancient site. The village Patsos is to be reached via the main connection from Rethymno to the South. Shortly before the town Spili, it is then left towards Patsos, and from there (follow the signs) around 2 miles to a small parking lot, the starting point of well marked hiking trail.

The cave also represents a place of dedication as has been proved by archaeological research. It was used as an important centre of worship from the Late Minoan up until the Roman period. An inscription that was found in the cave testifies that Hermes Kraneos was worshipped here. The church in the interior of the cave is dedicated to Agios Antonios, the patron of the children. The cave is open to visitors.

There is a second, much smaller karst cave, called Fournare, 300 m north on the opposite side of the Gorge. Systematic excavations haven’t been done so far in any of the two caves, although objects from the Minoan, Greek and Roman period have been found again and again. See following pictures with further short descriptions.

The Patsos is a small wooded village (30km southeast from Rethimnon on a right exit at Filaki of the Amari Valley - Gerakari road) of the former province of Amari. Now is the Municipal District of Rethymno Sivritou.

Located near the foot of the hill Soros, at an altitude of 490 meters, and 14 km far from the town of Spili. Around are the villages: Karines, Spili, Gerakari. On the way from Rethymnon we meet the settlement Prasses, Potamoi (with the homonym dam), the Voliones and Pantanassa.

 

It has rich vegetation and produces all kinds of good quality products such as Olive oil, walnuts, cherries, fruit, citrus. All vegetation and crops are due to the many sources of water available. Patsos has good quality water throughout the year.Also, visitors can cross the path that has been designed from the village to Patsos gorge and to the Agios Antonios cave within the gorge.The Gorge of Patsos is 3km far from the settlement Patsos and is a good choice for nature lovers. You can enjoy the natural scenery of the area and have lunch, if desired, to restaurants that are within the village and at the Gorge area.