Mikro and Megalo Katofygi

(Revolutionists’ shelters from 1821 to 1896)

Source: Exploration, study and cartography El. Platakis since 1963.

Photography: Climbing Club of Sitia, 2007. Uphill  tour of 40-45min.

The landscape is rocky and bushy. The altimeter at the entrance of the cave ‘’Mikro Katofygi’’ is 425m and at the entrance of ‘’Megalo Katofygi’’ is 450m. The dimensions at the entrance of the cave are: ‘’Mikro Katofygi’’ 3,2 width and 0,8-1m height. ‘’Megalo Katafygi’’ 0,5 width and 1,3m height.    

Megalo Katofygi

It is steep as you do down into the cave for 3,5m. Room A: length 24m, width 12m and height 0,5-4m. Rich decoration with columns of stalagmites, small lakes and a technical wall.

Room B: length 42m, the biggest width is 11m and the height is 2-12m with 4 smaller rooms and a special cave decoration. There is a big water tank inaccessible to a common visitor. The total length of the cave is about 100m.   

Mikro Katofygi

It is steep as you go down into the cave for 1,8m.

Room A: length 16m, the biggest width is 8 m, the height is 1-4,5m with lower places.

Room B: length 25 m, the biggest width is 6 m, the height is 2-2,5m.

Room C:  A narrow inaccessible room of 20m length after six meters steep walk.

This cave is maybe a part of an underground river and it is connected with ‘’Megalo Katafygi’’ cave. There is a rich decoration of stalactites and stalagmites.

DIFFICULTIES

Slippery slopes, rocky levels, dampness 92o, thick darkness and night birds.

VISITOR’S NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

Sufficient lighting, long thick and thin rope, special climbing clothing and footwear. For a safe cave exploration, have in mind to prefer visiting the caves in groups of experiences and exercised persons in climbing inaccessible areas.