Near Caves

The Near Caves are a set of historic caves and underground tunnels with a total length of 383 meters. These passageways run at depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters beneath the surface. The tunnels are narrow, with an average width of 1.5 meters and a height of about 2.5 meters.

The Resting Place of a Monastery Founder

Deep within these caves lies the burial site of the founder of the Cave Monastery of Saint Anthony. The Near Caves are closely tied to the origins of this ancient monastery, making them an important religious and historical site.

Exploring the Entrances

There are three entrances to the Near Caves, and the original is believed to be the western entrance. This entrance can be reached from the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Visitors often start their journey into the caves from this historic access point.

Lighting the Way Underground

To explore the caves, a candle is needed as there is no artificial lighting inside. Candles are available for purchase at the entrance for a small fee, allowing visitors to safely navigate the quiet, dark corridors.

Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Caves