Kasos · The inland villages · Ελληνοκαμάρα
Ellinokamara, the cave of the ancients
Ellinokamara, 'the Greek vault', is a cave in the cliffs beyond Agia Marina and one of the oldest places of worship in the Dodecanese, used from Mycenaean to Hellenistic times. Its mouth is closed by a wall of large cut blocks built in the Hellenistic period. Further on, about 2 km south-west of Agia Marina, the cave of Sellai, or Stylokamara, hides behind a narrow entrance and runs some 30 m into the rock, with stalactites and stone columns.
An ancient cave sanctuary walled in by the Hellenistic Kasians, and a hidden cave of stone columns
The story of Ellinokamara & Stylokamara
A cobbled path of about 300 m leads from Agia Marina to Ellinokamara. Step through the gap in the ancient wall and you are in a sanctuary where Kasians left offerings for well over a thousand years. Stylokamara, the 'cave of columns', is harder to find: go with someone who knows the way, and bring a torch.
Good to know
Before you go to Ellinokamara & Stylokamara
Getting there
Walk out of Agia Marina on the signed path. For Stylokamara, ask in the village for a guide.
When to go
Late afternoon, when the low sun comes into the mouth of Ellinokamara.
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