Kaviria

•    In honor of Kaviria, the children of legendary Hephaestus
•    The mysterious initiation rites and rituals of Kaviria
•    The oldest Telestirio Hall in all of Greece

The discovery of Kaviria came during archeological excavations from 1937-1939, and is one of the oldest shrines in the Aegean Sea.  The site sits atop a hill along the northern coast of the island, in the municipality of Moudros, and is drenched by sun and sea.  The temple was dedicated to the worship of Kaviria, who were the children of the god Hephaestus.  It was constructed in the 8th century B.C. and consists of several Telestirio halls, where initiation rites called sacraments, were carried out. 

According to legend, the Kaviria mysteries (these rituals) were associated with fertility and the rebirth of nature.  They enrolled women who could not conceive, but after secret ceremonies that took place inside the sanctuary, they then could bear children.

Although the Telestirio was twice destroyed by raging fires, it was rebuilt again and again and remained a shrine until the Roman period.  In fact, according to research and published studies, the Kaviria Telestirio is the oldest in Greece, and even inspired Aeschylus’ famous tragedy “Kaviria”.       




Visiting Hours:

 

Tuesday - Sunday: 08:00 - 15:00

Phone: +30 22543 50700