Arkoudiotissa Cave
Arkoudiotissa is a cave in the municipality of Akrotiri on the Greek island of Crete. From Gouverneto Monastery, the path to the cave is only accessible by foot. Arkoudiotissa, is noted for its stalagmite which is said to look like a bear. This cave is believed to have been used for worship since ancient times, but was dedicated to the Arkoudiotissa Panaghia during the Christian era. Ascetics lived in the caves in the area.
Further along the path, after a descent of 140 steps, is the Katholikon, the third monastery, now abandoned. It is believed to date from the 5th or 6th Century, founded by St John the Hermit. It is built into the cliff, with a unique church largely carved into the rock-face. This striking set of buildings is now overgrown with fig trees but retains significant charm.
