Located on the slopes of Mount Ida (Crete), the cave was the mythological birthplace of Zeus. Legend holds that his mother Rhea hid him here as an infant so Chronos (his father) would not eat him...as he had done with many of his other offspring.
The Kouretes (a mythological band of warriors) guarded the caves entrance and made overwhelming racket to hide the infant's cries.
https://youtu.be/Owp5gHSJZoE
In ancient times it was a place of worship.
Now...it is more of a (albeit beautiful) tourist trap.
The cave is at an altitude of 1025 meters and a rocky path beside which wild herbs grow (scenting the air) making it seem the ideal birthplace for a god.
Inside the antechamber is an array of wildlife that seek refuge here and call it home.
In the antechamber there is also the remains of an altar, walls burnt black with sacrificial fires, and numerous offerings and sacrifices to Zeus through the centuries. Dikti has five distinct rooms and a small lake within.
It is here, in this birthplace of Zeus, that we depart Crete and head for Athens, Greece on the mainland. Cretan Honey is on the way, and I will try it when it arrives, and also learn to make (and share) a few Greek dishes and dessert recipes.
More anon...
Crete from the air
