I have posted this before but I have learned so much more about the marble that is used all over Athens. You find marble windowsills, curbs on the street, sidewalks, stairs, cemeteries, etc. Marble is everywhere in Athens.
One morning we got up early and walked to a bridge, Doukissis Plakentias which is the biggest surviving stone bridge in Attica. It is the oldest bridge in Athens and is made out of the Pentelic marble; the same marble that built the Parthenon. Pentelic marble is thought to be of unparalleled quality. We explored the area where the bridge was and found a lovely park with a pathway that followed the dried up river.
On Saturday we went to Davelis cave in search of the trail from the cave to the Parthenon. It was our last Saturday in Greece. I was so excited when I found the marker for the trail.
The Halandri route that begins at Davelis cave along the Lithagogia track . It was one of the transport routes for taking Pentelic marble to Athens. There was about 20,000 tons of marble used in the construction of the Parthenon.
DAVELIS CAVE
The cave was discovered in 5th Century BC when they were excavating marble. The cave was a place of worship for the Greek God Pan, a place where hermits lived and now some say there is paranormal activity at different times. The cave got it's name from a bandit named Davelis and it was said that he stashed his treasure here.
During the Middle Ages, it was used by Orthodox Christian hermits and the church was built.
I have been fascinated by all the marble in Athens. It is plentiful and beautiful. This is something I will always remember about Greece. Marble is durable. It has proven itself by lasting through the ages.
I am grateful for all the places we saw that remind us of the miracles of every day.
Each day is an adventure if we have eyes to see.
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