Doxa Cave
Doxa cave is situated at an altitude of 463m, in the position Kaka Pila of Marathos, around 20km west of Heraklion. It is a small but well-known cave, which has very impressive décor of different colors and shapes. Doxa Cave is located 7.5 km after the junction of the old national road to Tylisos, towards Damasta. On the right hand, there is a tavern named Doxa, which is located just above the entrance of the cave. The owner of the tavern has built a small path to the cave, so access is easy and free. The tavern can also provide you with torches, which are necessary for those who try to visit the cave.
On the west of the cave there are two large precipices, called 'The tomb of Lakkos' and 'Xetrypi'. The cave has a length of only 50m and a total route length of 100m. The entrance, which has been widened by human hands, has a height of 1.5m and a width of 2m. The cave is very old and eroded, but still very impressive. From the entrance begins a downhill corridor, which extends across the width gradually. This corridor leads to four rooms.
The cave is still alive and continues to form its decoration. Despite human presence in the cave, which has ruined a big part of the decor, it is still massive and magnificent. The decor is mainly concentrated in the last room, with its main elements being curtains, stalactites and stalagmites, columns and very small helictites. In the center of the cave there is a platform with gours.
A version of the origin of the name 'Doxa' (meaning glory in Greek), says that when travelers from Chania to Heraklion, after a long and tiring journey, reached the area, they could distinguish Heraklion: Then,they shouted with relief "Glory to God!". In another version, the cave was near a church called Santa Doxa.
