A sanctuary in Amari valley

There is, no doubt, a similarity between the ancient sanctuaries weather it is in Delphi, mainland Greece or in Patsos gorge, island of Crete. There is this special vibe, a charge of energy and something wholly different about the place. 

​The cave of god Hermes (Ermis Kraneos) in Patsos gorge was a sacred site in antiquity. The protector of shepherds, forests and the fertility of nature, as well as the god Pan, were worshipped there. Periodically people have found objects from the Minoan, Greek and Roman eras. The cave of Ermis Kraneos is known to the locals as Agios Antonios Cave because of the small church of Agios Antonios that has been built within it - on top of an older site. The altar of an ancient open air sanctuary used to stand next to the chapel. 

The chapel of St. Antonius is at a place where different cults have been known from as early as the Minoan period. Archaeological findings date back as far as 2000 BC, and different types of worship and services were carried out as late as during the Roman period around 400 AD.

The gorge is green and beautiful. There are two paths that you can follow, that go along the small river.