The impressive cave of Aggitis in Drama counts 30,000 years of life

Greece is home to a multitude of caves, each unique in terms of size, geomorphology, and age. While some are accessible to the public, others remain unexplored. Each cave holds its own historical significance and unique appeal. Among these is the Aggitis Cave of the Eastern Macedonia in area of Drama city, a gem not only for the region but for all of Greece. This cave is remarkable not just for its impressive age of 30,000 years, but also for being the largest river cave in the country. It’s certainly a sight worth discovering!

The Aggitis Cave, situated about 20 kilometers north of the city of Drama, is a unique Greek cave that may not have gained the fame it deserves. Despite being less known, it boasts features that distinguish it in Greece. This cave, also known as Mara Cave, has a history spanning 30,000 years, yet we’ve only managed to explore it in the past half-century. The origin of its name is subject to two interpretations. It could either be derived from the Arabic dialect, signifying a small cave, which is ironic considering it’s the largest river cave in Greece. Alternatively, it could originate from Hebrew, translating to ‘water from the mountain’.

The Aggitis Cave was first extensively explored in 1978, and since then, it has continued to captivate both scientists and visitors. As a river cave, it features a river that emerges from the cave and follows a striking path through dense plane tree vegetation. This sight is bound to leave an impression, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast with an interest in Greek caves.

In terms of the cave’s age, studies and measurements were conducted in the Archaeometry laboratory of NCSR Demokritos. These studies estimated the cave’s age to be approximately 34,000 to 27,900 years old.

The only cave in Greece the visitors see the river flows through.

The Aggitis Cave is a unique feature among Greek caves, as it’s the only one that houses a flowing river and is open to visitors. However, only a 500-meter section of the cave is accessible for exploration. Despite this limitation, the beauty of the cave is undeniable, offering an unparalleled experience. The cave is divided into two chambers, the Acropolis and the Wheel Hall, and maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees Celsius year-round.

If you’re traveling in Eastern Macedonia or the Drama region, the Aggitis Cave is a must-visit. The experience will be unforgettable, leaving you with the impression of having explored one of Greece’s most extraordinary caves. The Aggitis River, which flows through the cave, is the largest tributary of the Strymonas River. Its source is located in the namesake village of the Municipality of Prosotsani, which is also worth a visit if you’re in the area.

To reach the Aggitis Cave from Athens, you will need to take the national road and drive North for about 500 km passing outside of the city of Thesaloniki. You will then need to take the Egnatia Odos until you reach the exit for Amphipolis. From there, you’ll continue for another 50 km on the Amphipolis - Drama national road. This route spans a distance of approximately 645 km (in total) and takes about 7 hours to complete. The Aggitis Cave is situated roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Drama.