The Cave of Hermes (Mount Kyllini)

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On the slopes of Kyllini — today Ziria — mythology places the birth of Hermes. The Homeric Hymn to the god describes his birth in a cave of the mountain, to Maia, daughter of Atlas.

The myth

According to the hymn, Hermes was born in the morning, made the lyre from a tortoise shell by midday, and by evening had already stolen the cattle of Apollo — one of the liveliest narratives in Greek mythology.

The visit

The cave lies in rough mountain country. It is not a developed show cave with lighting and walkways; its value is the way it ties the landscape to the myth.

Practical notes

• On the slopes of Ziria, reached from the mountain villages.
• Requires hiking and proper gear; never enter caves without experience.
• Ask locally about the exact approach.

Explore nearby

Ziria784 mZiria (Mount Kyllini)3.1 kmKoutsiferi3.1 kmPerdikoula4.0 km