The Trapeza Cave is located in the village of Tzermiádon and is considered an important archaeological and cultural monument of Crete. It is also known as Kronio. Together with the other archaeological sites in the immediate area, it gives Tzermiado a clear cultural focus: the emphasis here is on the cave chambers, finds and traditional interpretations. The cave is 800 metres west of the settlement.

Cave Chambers and Access

Two main chambers with niches define the cave. The narrow entrance leads into a small chamber with stalactites and stalagmites; small niches with columns are also part of the cave’s structure. From the entrance, there is a view of the Lasithi Plateau. The formations inside and the view at the entrance thus offer different aspects of the site.

The path to the cave entrance is paved and uphill, with steps and kermes oaks along the edges. The climb takes about five minutes. So plan for a short but uneven ascent, and check current access before your visit.

Finds and Historical Interpretations

The Trapeza Cave was systematically excavated in 1935 by the British archaeologist John Pendlebury. The finds discovered there date from the Neolithic to the Byzantine period. The year of the excavation refers to Pendlebury’s work, while the finds span a much longer period.

Local tradition links the cave with the worship of the mythical god Kronos. It is also thought to have been inhabited since the transition from the Neolithic to the Prepalatial period. During the period when Kastelos was inhabited, the cave is believed to have been used as a burial site and sanctuary. Votive offerings, such as ivory figurines from the Prepalatial period, were found there. The connection with Kronos belongs to local tradition; the use of the cave as a sanctuary is an assumption, while the figurines are tangible finds.

Archaeological Traces in the Surrounding Area

The area around Tzermiádon also has archaeological sites with different areas of focus. At Kastelos, east of the village, burials and dwellings dating from the Neolithic to the Middle Minoan period have been found. Shells dating from the Neolithic to the Late Minoan period were discovered in a cave in the Argoulia area, a district of the village. Neolithic burials were found in a cave in the Skafidia district.

The dates distinguish the sites: the stated period for Kastelos extends to the Middle Minoan period, while that for Argoulia extends to the Late Minoan period; the burials from Skafidia date to the Neolithic. This makes it possible to place the archaeological topics in the surrounding area in chronological context without grouping them into a single cultural phase. Those interested in the area’s prehistory can thus better distinguish between the different finds and interpretations.

Discover more destinations: Prina, Ierapetra, Makris Gialos, Pacheia Ammos, Kimouriotis, Anatoli, Eloúnda, Mílatos.

For the main travel overview: Lasithi.