Melidoni
Melidoni ( Greek Μελιδόνι [ mɛliˈðɔni ] ( n. Sg. )) Is a typical Cretan mountain village on a small plateau in the municipality of Mylopotamos . The area is characterized by agriculture and charcoal burning . Many charcoal burners still work here using the centuries-old method with charcoal piles . On a mountain slope above the village is a stalactite cave used as an old cave sanctuary with a new Christian altar .
Like the nearby Arkadi Monastery, the cave is related to the Cretans' resistance to the Turkish occupation. In 1824, 340 inhabitants and 30 Cretan resistance fighters were suffocated in the cave by a fire that the Turks had started because they did not want to surrender. The remains are kept in an altar, which is located in the center of the dome-shaped cave. The stalactite cave has the same meaning in Cretan history as the Arkadi monastery.
Coordinates: 35 ° 23 ' N , 24 ° 44' E