Arakynthos mountain is famous for its dense vegetation and oak – chestnut forest. The south side of the mountain is an exception, as it has view to Etoliko lagoon. The rocks of the mountain are steep and sharp-edged. What impresses most however, is the numerous steep caves, which have not yet been investigated.
One of them is Agios Nikolaos o Spilaiotis or Kremastos. Agios Nikolaos Cave is located in a box canyon of West Arakynthos, near Ellinika village. One can reach it under great difficulty, since he must first walk northeast of Kefalovryso for about half an hour and then climb fifty meters. The Cave, has been an important ascetic center of the area during the Middle Ages, some of the iconographies are remarkable, and was founded by Nikandros.
On the east side, opposite to the entrance of the cave, is a stone-built temple which separates the sanctuary from the nave. In the center of the main temple is a broad and deep cistern that used to collect rainwater from the outside through a pipeline. A small cave is also located north of the big one approximately 20 m. away, with an entrance from the southwest side as well.
Both caves have wall paintings and constitute a marginal point, concerning the art development of western Greece at that period of time. Within the past few years, volunteers have also placed a wooden deck in front of the cave, so as to facilitate the pilgrims who visit the monastery to honor the memory of the saint, who is celebrated twice a year, on December 6th and May20th.
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