Corycian Cave is located on Mount Parnassus in central Greece, north of Delphi. It has been a sacred place since the Neolithic period. It is named after the mythological Corycian nymphs.
Archaeological finds include bone, rings, bronze figurines, ceramics, and auloi (wind instruments).
The cave served as a refuge during invasions by Persians, Turks, and Germans.
It is currently a popular tourist spot for hikers visiting Delphi.
When I planned my two-night astrophotography tour in the area, I was prepared for isolation. After all, people are not inhabiting caves anymore. It seems there are exceptions to the rule. When I arrived at the place, I was welcomed by Michaël, a young person who lives in the cave!
After a brief introduction, he told me he is touring the world with his bicycle. He was near the end of his last challenge, living in the cave for three months.
Ninety days of living as our far ancestors did. Collecting water from the cave, drop by drop from the stalactites, helping a local shepherd in exchange for goat milk.
The rise of social media gave birth to a new race of “influencer travellers”, splitting their time between travelling and self-promoting. I’m not excluding myself from the norm.
Michaël is one of the few explorers, away from the spotlights, seeking what lies beyond and within.
Exploring the cave’s interior with caution, as the floor is quite slippery.
Michaël and I, in front of the cave, under the stars.
Star trails from the cave area.
The Big Dipper’s tail was taken with an old, modified Nikon 135mm f2.8 Pre-AI Telephoto Lens, a Canon 6D and the Star Adventurer tracker. The double star to the left is Mizar and Alcor. The bright star to the lower right is Alkaid. Whirlpool (M51) and Pinwheel (M101) galaxies are somewhere in the field – tiny at this focal length – if you can spot them.
A cave visitor.
Corycian Cave interior.
Collecting drinking water, drop by drop, from a cave stalactite.
The cave’s entrance eye.
Mount Parnassus, as seen from the cave area.
Mount Parnassus by night.