Holy Cross Church, Kalamavka
ABOUT
In the village of Kalamavka, at the top of the steep “Kastellos” rock, stands the cave church of the Holy Cross.
According to local tradition, as reported by the Holy Metropolis of Ierapytna and Sitia, a small icon of the Holy Cross was found inside the cave. It was transferred to the Holy Parish Church of Agios Antonios in Kalamavka. The following day, however, the icon was discovered once again inside the cave.
As this happened repeatedly, the villagers decided to seal the entrance of the cave, building it up so that the icon could no longer return inside. Yet the next day, the icon was missing from the Holy Church of Agios Antonios. Through a crack that had formed in the rock, the icon had passed back into the cave. It was then that everyone understood that this was where it belonged.
The church celebrates on 14 September, the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross.
Photos: Municipality of Ierapetra
The tip of Local!
Around 254 steps lead from the square up to the church and into the depths of the cave.
9°C
Nearby
Things to do
Nearby
Food
& drinks
