A geological and archeological monument

The cave of Giaur Dere is to the west of Micropolis, on Mount Menoikio. Its name means "the stream of the infidel or the stream of the Greek" in Turkish. It is long with decoration rich in limestone deposits. Here, in addition to the usual stalagmites and stalactites, columns, helixes, eccentrics, etc. are formed. 

At a relatively close distance, on Mount Falakro, the cave of Agios Markos is to be found. Both caves, although located in inaccessible areas, show traces of habitation, especially during the Middle Byzantine period. The cave of Giaur Dere, however, shows traces of late antiquity, which continues in the Byzantine period. The pottery sherds on its surface testify the use of the cave in these periods. As no extensive archeological excavations have been carried out in the cave, it may have been in use in even earlier periods. 

The cave is not a visitable archeological site. Access into the cavern is relatively difficult. 

Ministry of Culture

Hellenic Institute of Speleological Research