THEME CULTURAL PATH: The Cave of ancient God Pan in Daphni area

Beware of the slippery terrain, mainly from the bunker up to the Cave. 

Proceed at your own risk.

THEME CULTURAL PATH – The Cave of ancient God Pan in Dafni area

Location: Mount Aegaleo, about 1km from Dafni Monastery

Total cone-shaped cave depth:11.55 m.,maximum width 7.8 m.

The Cave used to be one of the natural setting worship spots for goat-figure God  Pan, who is represented as both human (shepherd) and animal (billy-goat), and was the incarnation of unsuccessful, uncurbable sexuality. The term that describes the state of panic in humans is derived from God Pan’s name.

The Cave dates back to the 5th century B.C. It was discovered by Demetrios Kambouroglou in 1890, during a search for ancient Iera Odos. However, it was not excavated until 1932 by the architect-archaeologist Ioannis Travlos. The results were published in the Journal of Archaeology in 1936.

In Christian times the cave was used as a hermitage. 

On the way to the Cave, enjoy a stream surrounded by lush vegetation: a beautiful shady pine forest, cypresses, kermes oaks, lentiscus, rock roses and brooms, to name but a few of the Mediterranean plant species.  In the distance, a view of the Dafni Monastery.

Walk past an old limekiln and a more recent bunker. As you ascend, and from the Cave itself, you will have a unique view of West Athens.

PICTURES: Fragments of vessels and figurines from the cave area

Enhancement and road signs to the Cave of Pan was implemented by NATUREFRIENDS Greece, within the framework of “Wine and Culture Festivals 2023” (Forest Dep. Permit 100249/1-3-2023)

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