The largest in length and volume cave in Greece is located approximately 25 km fro the city of Drama, close to Prosotsani. It is Maara cave on the south foot of Falakro mountain where the freezing Aggitis river springs from the depths of the mountain. The cave was discovered in September 1978 by a group of Greek and French speleologists, who based on several natural phenomena, supported the idea that Aggitis river passes through a cave. To prove this theory, they dove in the river springs. In 7 m depth they found a passage to the cave. A great chamber was discovered reaching 500 m length. Its roof is full of stalactites, some of which have 2m diameter and touch the surface of the water. Their colors are amazing created by the existence of minerals such as manganese, iron, copper etc.

The cave’s prehistory began 30.000 years ago, while excavations in it and its surrounding areas that began in 1992 have brought to the light stone tools and bones of prehistoric animals (rhinoceros, megakeros (giant deer) and mammoth). Some of them are exhibited in Drama’s Museum. In the “hall of wheels” on a small flat area in the left side of the river, scientists discovered settlement ruins of Neolithic period (3.000 B.C.) while right opposite stands a water wheel (initially it was wooden and then from iron), as well as a system of pipes that during the first half of 20th century covered the irrigation needs of the area.

Acropoli hall is also impressive. It is the biggest hall ever discovered in a Greek cave (120m long, 65m wide and 45m high) that impresses visitors with its size, decoration, the river flowing along it and creating underground banks and rocky formations and composing a really eerie atmosphere.

Maara cave is open to the public 365 days a year. The entrance costs 6 Euros for adults and 3 Euros for students. During winter period visiting times are Monday to Saturday from 10:30 to 17:00 and on Sunday or Bank Holidays from 10:00 to 16:30. For further information please contact 25220 60460.