General information
In the vicinity of the Lechova Monastery, there is a prehistoric cave called “The cave temple of LEHOVA”, which has been used by human beings since the late Neolithikum (3500 bis 2800 b.C.). Its lacustrine concave comprises of a main room, with stalactites scattered all around the ceiling.
Cave excavations were performed by the Ephorate Paleoanthropology-Speleology in the years: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003. A preliminary study of the artifacts found (mostly figurines), places the cave-sanctuary between the end of the 4th or early 3rd century to the second half of the 6th century, B.C..
The types of artefacts, pottery and figurines, that were discovered in the cave suggest the existence of a cult (or cults) of nymphs worshiping: plank-shaped female figures standing and seated, Apollo with Lyre, Silenus with a handmade body based on their tail. Pan figurines, zoomorphic and bird-shaped figurines. The existence of this cult is also evidenced by the dedicatory inscriptions on sherds.
Tourists are unfortunately not allowed to visit the cave, as archaeological work is being done there.