The cave was discovered accidentally in 1959 by a local shepherd who was looking for a spring. Two men were lowered down and later described a large number of chambers and corridors, totaling 8 to 10 meters high with rich and beautiful formations of speleothems (stalactites and stalagmites).

The systematic excavations of the Cave began in 1965 by the founder of the Anthropologic Company of Greece, anthropologist professor Aris Paulianos. His researches proved that the Arhanthropos is about 700.000 years old, and this makes him the “oldest” European. This age was determined after the detailed analysis of stratigraphy (until today 28 geological layer have been revealed), and after studying the primitive and Paleolithic tools as well as the palaiofauna that were discovered in almost all the layers.

Among the fossils of animals that have extinct the following are included: lions, hyenas, bears, panthers, elephants, rhinoceros, megakeroi, bison and various species of deer and hippo, and also 25 species of birds, 16 species of rodents and 17 species of bats.

In order to verify the age, the contribution of nucleonic is very important. The materials that have been dated are bones, argil, stalagmites and ashes.

These are fire traces – the oldest ones that human has ever lighted.

Petralona cave and museum have been closed to the public since 1/1/2019 due to restoration works and are expected to re-open for summer 2022.

The entrance is allowed daily from 9 a.m.

For further information please dial: +30 23730 71671 or visit: http://www.petralona-cave.gr/