DROGARATI CAVE
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Drogorati Cave is one the most important caves in Greece.
It is located at an altitude of 120 meters, in the area of Haliotatis and 3 kilometers from Sami.
The cave was discovered 300 years ago when part of it crashed after a strong earthquake, which revealed its current admission. Drogorati dates back over 100 million years.
The speleologists have noticed that the cave has an extension, which is not accessible. This means that it is likely to communicate with other caves in the area.
The grand central hall has dimensions over 60m length, 40m width and 20 meters height.
The Cave is 60 meters under the surface, it has a temperature of 18 degrees and 90% humidity.
Initially, the cave was used by the Chaliotatis community, under the supervision of the speleologist Mrs. Petrochilou. From 1963 the cave is open to the public all year round.
The cave’s interior enchants all visitors. It has many stalactites, which hang from the ceiling and create unique formations. Drogorati has also many stalagmites which start from the ground. The stalagmites were created by the rainwater, which penetrates and corrodes the rock, depositing its components at the edge of the stalactite.
A stalactite grows about one centimeter every hundred years. Unfortunately many stalactites are cut, some because of earthquakes and others from human errors which destroy these unique natural sculptures.
Many musical and other events are organized at the grand central Hall, which is called Sala of Apotheosis.
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