On Mount Pendeli, near Athens, lies a cave known as the "Davelis Cave" or simply "Cave of Pendeli". The cave has been enjoying a notorious reputation since the 1800s when reports of paranormal activity first began. Tales of strange goings-on have been happening for centuries and till today the cave is considered to be one of the haunted sites of Athens and among the most metaphysical places in Greece.
A little history
Davelis Cave was brought to light in the 5th century BC by chance, during the extraction of marble for the building of Acropolis.
The current cave's name however dates a lot later and comes from the belief that an infamous 19th century bandit called Davelis used that cave as a hideout. According to the story Davelis hid his treasure in there.
Many times during its history, the cave has been used as a shelter for civilians.
Religious uses
In Antiquity, the cave was a place of worship for the followers of Pan and the nymphs. The cave marks the opening to a series of tunnels that run through the mountain and lead to a pool of water in the centre. Archaeologists excavated various ceramics depicting Pan and his nymphs. These ancient treasures can be found at the Archaeological Museum. There is also a much smaller cave a few hundred meters up the mountain called Nymphaion or Nymph shrine.
During the Middle Ages, it was used by Orthodox Christian hermits, and later a small church was built at the entrance of the cave, featuring an unusual double layout: one part devoted to Saint Spyridon and one to Saint Nicholas.
Military Uses
In 1977 construction works started at the site of cave even though the identity of the contractor remains up to date unclear. During the 1980's entry to the public was suddenly forbidden and government plans to expand the existing natural tunnels continued. Even today is not known which government agencies were involved, but rumour has it that NATO was at the helm, and the reason behind the works remains hidden from the public. Later findings revealed the use of explosives and heavy machinery to dig up the tunnels further into the mountain. The digging activity abruptly stopped in mid-effort, new tunnels leading to dead end were abandoned and old tunnels were sealed off. Whatever reason the construction works were about they suddenly stopped leaving behind digging equipment and a batch of anti cancer drugs that were later discovered.
One realistic scenario suggests that the site would be used as a radar base as similar bases of the Greek and U.S Army can be found in other parts of the mountain.
One thing is for sure: Experiments took place in the cave or in the artificial tunnels around it.
Paranormal Activities
There are numerous tales of strange or abnormal activity that has taken place in and around the cave. Stories about obscure electromagnetic phenomena, water flowing the wrong way and mysterious disappearances of explorers who enter the cave and never came back, arise the interest about it. Also a small handprint near the entrance further covers the location in mystery.
Nobody can really tell the truth about what happens in Davelis Cave. Even though any of the sightings or happenings seem unlikely, you never know. The only way to find out is to make the hike to the cave and explore it yourself. However I'm not that brave to do so. I have only visited this location for climbing purposes as it has some amazing routes!
