Pendeli Cave (also known as Davelis Cave) is a place full of mystery, immersed in a grandiose environment, a little out of time. This is undoubtedly due to the many uses, sometimes obscure, that were made of it, as well as its somewhat remote position, which almost gives a feeling of unease.
Goats, brigands, hermits and soldiers… a strange story
The natural cave, located on the top of Mount Pendeli, was originally a tomb dedicated to Pan, the deity who protected the flocks and herds. The niches and pedestals that can be seen in the cave were used to receive statues and offerings. They can be found today in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Later, during the Byzantine period, the cave was used by hermits and monks. These were numerous. In fact, in the 8th century, there were more than sixty caves and hermitages on Mount Pendeli.
The small Byzantine chapel at the entrance of the cave dates from 1234. Tucked away under the rock, sheltered from view and the elements, it was built in the pure Byzantine style. One part is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the other to Saint Spyridon. If you pass by when the chapel is open, you can admire the interior andits exhibition of series of religious icons.
After this mystical period, the place knew a more romantic era. Indeed, in the 19th century, a brigand named Davelis invests the cave of Pendeli, hence the name “Davelis Cave” often used. Legend has it that Davelis used one of the many tunnels through the mountain to get from the cave to the home of his beauty (the Duchess of Plakentia) which was in Pendeli.
The more recent history is also full of mystery. Between 1977 and 1983, Greek soldiers have carried out work. Traces of this period: the concrete support under the chapel, as well as an unsightly construction at the entrance to the cave. Large tunnels were also built upstream and downstream of the cave. The purpose of this work remains unclear. In 1990, this work was stopped and the Pendeli cave was opened to the public again.
It is not surprising with this eventful history that it is said that this cave is the seat of paranormal phenomena and the refuge of strange creatures… Your imagination will do the rest!
To get to the Pendeli cave
There is no public transportation to the cave. So you have to take a car to get there. GPS coordinates: 38° 04′ 14.80″ N, 23° 52′ 37.11″ E
A tip: park just off the road at the fork in the road. The road, if it is passable, is in bad condition.
GPS coordinates of the parking lot: 38° 04′ 31.84″ N, 23° 52′ 10.34″ E
This will also allow you to take a nice walk through the pine trees and enjoy the beautiful view of Athens. Until you reach the cave, follow the purple stones for a little over 1km. Darrows indicate the access to the cave, but from in a way that is not always very visible. So keep your eyes open, it is on your left after passing an old quarry.
Some practical advice
Take care of this unusual place. Totally open, it is particularly vulnerable. Many tags and traces of vandalism have unfortunately come to degrade this magical place.
Don’t forget to bring a flashlight to explore the dark corners of the cave and good shoes to avoid slipping.
A Google Maps point to help you find the Davelis cave. Free admission.
An excursion that should please all the curious, young and old!
Sophie B.
Updated April 19, 2024
