The Aggitis River Cave, also known as Maara Cave, is nestled in the municipality of Prosotsani, in the western part of the Drama prefecture, about 23 km northwest of the city of Drama. It stands out as the only developed river cave in Greece. The natural entrance of the cave marks the source of the underground Aggitis River, and throughout history, it has served as a refuge for both humans and animals. The cave was discovered in September 1978 by a team of Greek and French speleologists. They believed the waters of the Aggitis River flowed through a cave, and following a scuba dive into the springs, they confirmed the existence of a passage at a depth of 7 meters. Their exploration revealed an impressive gallery that extends for at least 500 meters. The ceiling of the cave is adorned with stunning stalactites, some of which measure up to 2 meters in diameter, reaching all the way to the water's surface. Their vibrant colours come from minerals like manganese, iron, and copper. Excavations in the cave have unveiled tools and bones from prehistoric animals, including rhinoceroses, megacorns, and mammoths, dating back around 30,000 years. Many of these fascinating artefacts are displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Drama. So far, approximately 12 km of the cave has been explored, with 10 km mapped out for visitors. You can walk along a pathway that stretches for the first 500 meters of the cave, meandering against the river’s flow and taking in the breathtaking formations, dominated by striking white and red stalactites in various shapes. One of the cave's highlights is the Hall of the Wheel, which you can reach through a corridor. This hall features an 8-meter hydraulic wheel that was used during the Ottoman period for water supply and irrigation. The roof of the hall has an impressive opening, measuring 8x12 meters, which may have served as an entrance for nearby settlements or a hidden route from the acropolis above the cave down to the river. The cave’s outlet is equally magnificent, where the rushing waters spill into the plain, creating a refreshing atmosphere surrounded by plane trees, poplars, and willows, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. The cave is also home to 37 different animal species, mostly microfauna, including six that were first documented here by the international scientific community. You can also find fish, bats, and larger mammals like otters and myocastors. For tickets and more details, feel free to contact: +30 2522 060460 (10:30 am - 5:00 pm).