When in the region of Drama, it is worth visiting the Aggitis cave (also called Maaras Cave), located NE of the capital, close to Prosotsani, on the south foot of Falakro mountain where the freezing Aggitis river springs from the depths of the mountain.
It is the largest in length and volume cave in Greece and it is a river cave, the only one existing in Greece! The cave is an elongated natural pipe which is almost the only draining path for the waters collected in the closed basin of Kato Nevrokopi.
It was first explored by speleologists Yannis and Anna Petrocheilou of the Hellenic Speleological Society (H.S.S.) in 1952 but it wasn’t until 1978 that French and Greek speleologists managed to explore it in a depth of 500 meters. Their theory, based on several natural phenomena, was that Aggitis river passes through a cave. To prove this theory, they decided to dive into the river springs. In 7m. depth, they found a passage to the cave.
Aggitis is the largest river cave in the world and the only river cave that exists in Greece.
It is the largest in length and volume cave in Greece and its uniqueness lies in the fact that on the ground of the cave flows the river Aggitis with a total length of 21 km.
The cave is an elongated natural pipe which is almost the only draining path for the waters collected in the closed basin of Kato Nevrokopi.
The river passage is very interesting with huge stalagmites hanging from the ceiling, sometimes nearly to the surface of the water creating a magical scenery.
The cave is lit with yellow lamps lighting the path and white lights for the formations, which are turned on and off by motion detectors.
You can enter the cave from the artificial entrance that has been opened and the stalactites of various forms, sizes, and amazing colours decorate the cave.
This is a must see when you are in this area of Greece.
Useful information:
Aggitis River cave is open to the public 365 days a year! During winter period visiting times are from 10:00 to 17:00 and during summer from 10:00 to 19:00.
For further information please contact the Aggitis Cave information desk: +3025220- 60460.
