Cave of Saint Kosmas the Hermit (Avvakospilio or Varvakospilio)

West of Koudoumas Monastery, along the wild coastline of the Asterousia Mountains, lies Avvakospilio, a cave church closely linked to the ascetic tradition of southern Crete. In this cave, Saint Kosmas practiced asceticism in the 7th century. He is one of the most important figures of Cretan monasticism, and according to tradition, his relics were initially buried there. Access to Avvakospilio is via a formed and easily passable path that starts from the beach of Koudoumas Monastery and runs parallel to the steep coastline.

The walk takes about 15 minutes and offers impressive views of the Libyan Sea. Inside the cave, the formations created by sea salt on the rocks give visitors the impression of discerning figures of the Church, further enhancing the atmosphere of reverence and contemplation. Saint Kosmas was born in Crete in the second half of the 6th century and received a notable education, enabling him to oppose the Monothelite heresy. After initially living as a monk in a cenobitic community, he withdrew into the wilderness due to pressures and persecutions, finding in the caves of southern Crete the setting for his great ascetic struggle. There he lived in strict fasting and prayer, far from the world, until his repose in 658 AD. His relics were venerated by the faithful, but due to the difficulty of access, they were transferred elsewhere.

According to tradition, they later returned to the cave following divine intervention that brought rain during a period of drought. In 1058 AD, the incorrupt body was stolen by Venetian merchants and taken to Venice, where it is preserved to this day, while in recent years there has been a strong desire expressed for its return to the place of his ascetic life.

*The photograph is sourced from the official website of the Asterousia UNESCO MaB Biosphere Reserve.